Dr Pepper scores with soccer initiative

It may not rival the FIFA World Cup, but there’s nothing bigger than the Dr Pepper Dallas Cup when it comes to international youth soccer tournaments in the United States.

Now in its 35th year, the recently concluded youth tournament crowned winning teams from throughout the world who competed in eight age classifications. Other big winners at the event were eight U.S.-based community organizations who each received donations of $5,000 in sports gear on behalf of the winning teams.

The donations were made by Let’s Play, a community partnership led by Dr Pepper Snapple Group to get kids and families active nationwide. The $40,000 total contribution is part of the $1 million in sports gear Dr Pepper Snapple Group will donate this year through its Let’s Play partnership with Good Sports, a national non-profit organization that provides sports equipment to disadvantaged youth programs across the country.

“The Dr Pepper Dallas Cup is truly a celebration of soccer and the passion people of all ages have for the sport,” said Vicki Draughn, vp of corporate affairs for Dr Pepper Snapple Group. “In a year when soccer will capture the hearts and minds of sports fans across the U.S. and around the world, we are thrilled to help provide more kids the opportunity to get active through participating in the ‘Beautiful Game.’”