Dick's, MLS partner to help disadvantaged youth

PITTSBURGH Dick's Sporting Goods is partnering with Major League Soccer for a special shopping event to support disadvantaged youth.

Dick's Sporting Goods stores throughout the country will host a shopping event this September, during which approximately 50 underprivileged kids in each community will gain MVP status through a special "personal shopper" experience with players from the Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew, Chicago Fire, D.C. United, F.C. Dallas, Kansas City Wizards, New England Revolution, Red Bull New York and Real Salt Lake. All of the participating children will be given a complimentary Dick's Sporting Goods gift card and then accompanied through the store by the players who will help them pick out merchandise to purchase with that gift card.

"The announcement of our alliance with Major League Soccer earlier this year was an illustration of the commitment Dick's Sporting Goods has made to the sport of soccer in the United States," said Jeffrey Hennion, evp and chief marketing officer of Dick's Sporting Goods. "However, just as important to our company is our commitment to the communities in which we do business so we are extremely proud to be hosting these shopping events with MLS and its teams."