Soccer is SoIN - Extol Magazine

Southern Indiana businesses are coming out strong to support soccer

by Jen McNelly

If you find yourself strolling through the bustling streets of Louisville, you might notice a palpable buzz in the air. No, it’s not the latest bourbon festival or the echo of thunder from the Kentucky Derby. This electric atmosphere is the heartbeat of a city united by its love for soccer, amplified by the inspiring work of The LouCity and Racing Foundation.

Founded to champion the beautiful game and uplift the community, the LouCity and Racing Foundation is where passion for soccer meets the spirit of giving. This dynamic foundation is the philanthropic arm of Louisville’s soccer pride, Louisville City FC (LouCity) and Racing Louisville FC. The LouCity and Racing Foundation is committed to ensuring soccer is accessible to all kids, regardless of ability or financial capabilities. Using soccer as the platform, the foundation strives to create a sustainable impact on youth in the Louisville and Southern Indiana communities by providing a safe place and the opportunity to dream, thrive, and succeed. It’s not just about cultivating the next Messi or Morgan; it’s about improving the lives of youth by harnessing the love, power, and community of soccer.

LouCity and Racing Foundation Executive Director George Davis IV is a product of what sports, specifically soccer, can provide in the pursuit of success. “I was very lucky to have the opportunities to play the sport at a high level and I know that people around me sacrificed to allow me to pursue that endeavor,” he explained. Not only did George find success on the field, but explained that he is most appreciative of what soccer did for him off the field. “From forming a healthy lifestyle that allowed me to compete every day, to learning how to work in teams, deal with conflict, and build relationships with people all over the word. Not everyone has the resources to participate in and receive these benefits. It is now my duty to return the favor to the youth in our own communities.”

The LouCity and Racing Foundation knows that real change happens when you roll up your sleeves and get involved. With a number of initiatives and programs, one of the most exciting has been the pursuit of forming soccer teams in elementary schools. Over the last 3 years, the foundation has been building a platform for students to play youth soccer in their respective neighborhoods. Currently, the foundation hosts a relationship with the Parks and Recreation department that includes 30 teams playing at three different sites in Louisville. Over 400 student athletes concluded the season with an end of the year tournament hosted at the Lynn Family Sports and Vision Center.

George explained that the foundation plans to expand and create something sustainable for these elementary students to look forward to. The outcomes of this initiative will include opportunities to compete at a competitive level with the West Louisville Soccer Club and replicate this model in other parts of the state and Southern Indiana.

While the primary focus of the foundation is on Kentucky and Southern Indiana, the aim is to create a large enough impact that will inevitably expand around the country and worldwide. Examples of reaching outside the target demographic include donating soccer balls and equipment to parts of Africa through a partnership with SOS International, and engagements with International Friendlies. On the Racing Louisville side, they are currently working with The Womens Cup to create clinics and small side tournaments. LouCity has also engaged with the likes of Atlante from Liga MX and Eintracht Frankfurt, from the German Bundesliga. Building on these partnerships and growing the foundation will help to lead to more opportunities to assist worldwide.

Whether you’re a die-hard soccer fan, a community advocate, or someone who just loves to see good things happen, there’s a place for everyone in The LouCity and Racing Foundation’s story. The foundation held their first Golf Outing Fundraiser this year at Big Spring Country Club. “I think it is important to create opportunities for our staff, players, owners, sponsors, and supporters to come together in the name of a good cause and find joy,” said George. “I was very excited to see the response and fun we had on the inaugural outing and we very much look forward to how this will grow and shape over the years.”

LouCity and Racing Louisville players are also known to frequently step off the pitch to participate in community events, becoming role models for aspiring young athletes. “We are lucky to have a group of unselfish professionals that are also a product of what our mission aims to provide,” said George. “We try to place our players in front of the youth we serve as much as possible. They are role models to every single athlete we serve.” Their involvement sends a powerful message: success isn’t just about winning games; it’s about giving back.

What’s next for The LouCity and Racing Foundation? The sky’s the limit. With ambitious plans to expand their programs and deepen their impact, the foundation is poised to keep making waves in Kentucky and Southern Indiana. George looks forward to the rapid growth of the foundation. “Our immediate goal is to spread our service to the entire state and Southern Indiana. OUr clubs have always taken a championship mentality and the foundation will do the same. We want to be an example for the many professional clubs looking to create a philanthropic arm themselves.”