FC Tucson announced that it will unite with Chicanos Por La Causa (CPLC) under a formal alliance in 2020 and beyond. Through the beautiful game, FC Tucson and CPLC Southern Arizona intend to forge a community that will awe and inspire the youth of Tucson and Southern Arizona while creating a new generation of mentors and leaders who will help to promote healthier and stronger communities.
“We were looking for a community organization that embodied Tucson’s higher self and found the rich history of CPLC along with its diverse programming to be an ideal fit.” said FC Tucson President, Amanda Powers. “The beautiful game (of soccer) is what unites and inspires us, and our combined efforts will leave a lasting imprint on the hearts and minds of children, teens, and young adults that Si Se Puede.”
FC Tucson has built a reputation for developing top soccer talent through both its youth, women, and professional men’s team. The Club has a long list of talented players who have come through the system and gone on to compete at the highest levels of U.S. Men’s & Women’s soccer. Now, it is time to extend development opportunities in whole new ways through an innovative partnership with CPLC and its comprehensive range of programming and services.
“Chicanos Por La Causa understands that the post-COVID-19 economy will demand more unity, increased education and career guidance, and an inclusive approach to serving our international region with unique services dedicated to youth, their parents, siblings, and family members,” said Lydia Aranda, President of CPLC Southern Arizona. “Our economy will be fueled by the opportunities the USMCA presents for trade and small businesses, as well as a more global exchange of educational, medical and traditional tourism; we must ensure our future workforce completes their studies and has access to quality training necessary to enhance our Southern Arizona and border communities, families and leaders with a focus on solutions for the current set of challenges and towards long-term, sustainable realignment of workforce success to benefit future generations.”
The first order of business is to help the students of Toltecalli and Envision Schools “Get to the Goal” and graduate on June 5th. The FC Tucson professional players will serve as short-term mentors that will encourage the high school seniors to stay focused on their studies and post-high school plans while dealing with the disruptive impacts of COVID-19. For those who get to the goal, they will be rewarded with an exciting socially distanced graduation ceremony June 5th.
As the year goes on, you can expect the two organizations to forge new paths in holistic education by bringing professional players, students, and Parents-as-Coaches into sports as a strategic tool, expanding ParaLosNinos for students 12-19 years of age, and building a more comprehensive workforce for tomorrow.
This will include FC Tucson working with Coach Marcelo Cruz, of the co-ed Toltecalli/Envision sports program on soccer skills camps and clinics; and Superintendent Lori Mejia leveraging the value of the CPLC five pillars, behind the student’s success in the workforce of today and future generations.
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About CPLC-Southern Arizona:
Chicanos Por La Causa – Southern Arizona is an integral part of the Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc. (CPLC) community development corporation that provides services in Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico. Since 1969, CPLC has been changing lives by developing self-sufficiency and instilling empowerment in those we serve. Our focus areas are education, economic development, integrated health & human services, and housing. CPLC provides a better life through offering business and employment opportunities; ensuring everyone has the solid foundation of education; providing hope through a pathway of recovery, restoration, and resiliency; and ensuring that a safe, secure, affordable home is available to every individual we serve. CPLC is one of the largest community development corporations in the country.
For more information, please visit www.CPLC.org.
