Smart Guy Rob Smith Honored by the JT Dorsey Foundation

We are proud of 'Smart Guy' Rob Smith, Vice President of Soccer Development and Relations for the Philadelphia Union who is being honored this week by the JT Dorsey Foundation with a 'Service Through Soccer' Award for his hard work in the community.  Smart guys give back!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 22, 2011

PHILADELPHIA UNION VICE PRESIDENT ROB SMITH AND HARRISBURG CITY ISLANDERS OWNER ERIC PETTIS RECEIVING ‘SERVICE THROUGH SOCCER’ AWARDS FROM THE JT DORSEY FOUNDATION DURING THE AUGUST 24^TH  MATCH BETWEEN THE TEAMS IN HARRISBURG, PA

Harrisburg, Pa. – The JT Dorsey Foundation’s 1st Annual JTDF Service through Soccer Award will be presented August 24th during a halftime ceremony at the Philly Union vs Harrisburg City Islanders game to Eric Pettis of the Harrisburg City Islanders and Rob Smith of the Philadelphia Union, in honor of their impactful work with young people and their communities. 

The JT Dorsey Foundation is committed to providing opportunities to expose youth, particularly those who have limited resources and services, to soccer and the positive youth development skills that come along with team sports and cooperative activities.  The organization firmly believes that soccer can be a developmental vehicle for life, and this experience is enhanced by the role models and dedicated coaches who graciously volunteer their time and services to help young people learn the sport and all of its life lessons. 

Two such role models are Eric Pettis and Rob Smith who have worked with and supported the organization since its inception. Rob and Eric have both provided opportunities for JTDF youth to attend both Union and Islander games and have provided equipment, resources and community partnerships to allow participants to learn valuable life skills while playing, coaching and officiating the game of soccer.  Rob and Eric’s involvement has model team work, good sportsmanship, and philanthropy to the teens participating in the JTDF, their families and their communities.

From its inception, the JT Dorsey Foundation has run on the core belief that every child, regardless of their origins or station in life, has potential and promise.  “Having community leaders support this belief and reach out again and again, year after year, asking what they can do to support youth development through soccer has allowed this program to grow so rapidly in a short amount of time.  Last year we served over 700 young people, exposing them to soccer and all of its life lessons.” Said JT Dorsey, founder of the organization.  “Rob and Eric not only support us with resources, they attend the events, meet the young people and make them feel valuable.  This award is a way to show them (Rob & Eric) how valuable they are to us and the young people in our communities.”

The awards will be given at halftime of the Union v. Islanders match on August 24^th.  The match will be the Union’s second appearance at City Island, after playing to a 1-1 draw on July 27, 2010.  The Union (www.philadelphiaunion.com) is expected to bring their full squad to the match, which will be a great treat for fans that support both organizations.  All tickets for the match, youth and adult, will be $15 general admission. Ages 3 and under are free. Tickets may be purchased at www.cityislanders.com or by calling 717-441-GOAL. Tickets will be limited; purchasing in advance is strongly recommended.

About the JT Dorsey Foundation:

The JT Dorsey Foundation currently offers programs for youth ages 5-16 located in Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lebanon and York, Pennsylvania.  The JT Dorsey Foundation provides key youth development services that are lacking, but necessary, to underserved populations in those areas.  The JTDF model contains programs that address children and adolescent’s academic, physical, character, social and emotional needs. www.jtdorsey.org

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