The New England Revolution have launched the Touches for C.H.A.N.G.E. initiative, which provides equipment to underserved youth in Boston and spotlights Black history in New England. The week-long fundraising event runs from Feb. 22-27 and is followed by a series of soccer clinics that'll be held in collaboration with Boston Centers for Youth and Families (BCYF).
The Revolution are currently accepting donations and encourage community members to register here. The amount of touches taken corresponds to a historical date or individual in New England’s long history of Black rights and social justice advocacy.
"Touches for C.H.AN.G.E. is one of the vital new programs the Revolution are excited to launch in 2021 as we continue developing new ways to make an impact in our community," Revolution president Brian Biello said in a statement. "By helping provide greater access to high-quality soccer equipment and working with the Boston Centers for Youth & Families to organize clinics in communities where we can have the greatest impact, we hope to bring the unifying and enriching power of sports into the lives of hundreds more children in our area."
Contributions will be used to purchase new soccer equipment and will be distributed to the Boston Centers for Youth and Families and other Boston-area families at upcoming C.H.A.N.G.E soccer clinics. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the clinics won't be scheduled until state and local health authorities deem it safe.
The program is part of New England's C.H.A.N.G.E. platform, which was founded in 2020 and stands for Converse, Help, Amplify, Nurture, Galvanize and Educate.
