Continue reading »]]> Puma FC, Announces Launch of “Chance For All” Program, Partnership with Afrikan Centered Education (ACE) to Bring Soccer to Urban Core of Kansas City

Kansas City, MO – February 20th , 2012 – After successful pilot programs with Operation Breakthrough and Linwood YMCA, Puma FC, the fastest growing soccer club in Kansas City metropolitan area, is partnering with Afrikan Centered Education “ACE” school to pioneer a soccer after-school program “Chance For All” aimed at Kansas City’s urban core with plans to expand it to other cities.

Puma FC will be initiating the ACE program by conducting a “Chance For All” clinic on February 24th , 2012 on the ACE campus at 3500 East Meyer Boulevard, at 1.30 pm, to introduce Puma FC to the ACE students. Following this clinic program, Puma FC will work with the ACE school to provide coaches, training materials, and donated equipment to the students that are interested in playing soccer in leagues around the Kansas City area.

It is Puma FC’s belief that the future of US Soccer’s greatness resides in realizing the potential of both the inner cities of the United States and the under-privileged families and kids as well as suburban youth. Currently, the majority of urban core population cannot afford to play for premier clubs which require monthly payments far outside many parent’s reach. As part of Puma FC’s community outreach, we are initiating a partnership with ACE to assist them in developing a top-notch soccer program for their students and to establish channels for creating opportunities that will allow further education through the game of soccer.

“I was able to pursue my dreams and get an education in US because of the game of soccer. That’s why I want to teach kids that playing sports, and in this case soccer, can open many doors and give many opportunities to everyone. You just have to believe it,” says Vladimir Roganovic, one of the founders of Chance For All program, as well as a Puma FC soccer club. President of the Puma FC club Rob Million, a longtime resident of the KC area, believes that talent is around us, we just have to give it a chance. “I agree with Jürgen Klinsmann, US National Team head coach, that talent in US needs to be found in the inner cities. Youth soccer is a ‘pay and play’ sport, and we just want to give the opportunity to underprivileged kids to show their talent,” says Million. Given the opportunity to play competitive soccer, these kid’s chances for higher education are tremendously higher. And that’s our goal, to provide the opportunity.”

Puma FC already created similar outreach program for Operation Breakthrough with the aim to make these programs a more permanent fixture in the after school schedule of Kansas City’s youth. As a result of successful outreach program, YMCA at the Linwood location has recognized Puma FC and Operation Breakthrough efforts and are excited to offer practice facility that will benefit all interested kids and their families.

The Puma FC soccer club is Kansas City’s fastest growing youth soccer club, devoted to providing a competitive and recreational soccer development program for girls and boys of all ages. Creating a positive experience and a fun atmosphere among players, parents, and coaches is an essential emphasis that guides us to develop young athletes. Our program provides a unique opportunity for soccer players to maximize their potential through progressive exercises that are individually challenging, but yet appropriate for the age group and ability of each player. It is our belief that this can be done in the environment with their friends and not only through competitive selection. Puma FC is a diverse, multi-cultural organization with active community involvement by participants, parents, and coaches. Puma FC was founded By Rob Million, Vladimir Roganovic, and Jack Jewsbury, current Captain of the MLS Portland Timbers, and former long-time Sporting KC player and Missouri native.

The Afrikan Centered Education Collegium Campus (ACECC or “ACE” ) uses a culturally relevant approach, for students to develop leadership skills, social responsibility and personal life skills. The Lower, Middle/Jr. High, and Upper Campus are accelerated learning environments with high academic standards. Their program uses a rigorous curriculum ranging from Pre-K through 12th grade, which emphasizes college prep, world languages and cultural foundations of drumming, art, music and dance. ACE also has learning academies, social clubs and study abroad opportunities. ACE has approximately 1200 students on their campus located in Kansas City.

Rob Million
Vladimir Roganovic
Jack Jewsbury