PCFC becomes an NYSS Champion
Portland Community Football Club is recognized as a National Youth Sports Strategy (NYSS) Champion to Promote Participation in Youth Sports
(Portland) – Portland Community Football Club (PCFC) is pleased to be recognized by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as a National Youth Sports Strategy (NYSS) Champion.
As a NYSS Champion, PCFC has demonstrated their organization’s commitment to support safe, fun, inclusive, developmentally appropriate, and accessible youth sports opportunities. PCFC is recognized along with other NYSS Champions on health.gov as part of a growing network of organizations partnering with HHS to improve the youth sports landscape in America.
“We know children who obtain regular physical activity gain important physical and mental health benefits, which are more important than ever considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” explains Rear Adm. Paul Reed, M.D., deputy assistant secretary for health at HHS. “I’m thrilled to acknowledge the work of the NYSS Champions who are helping to foster a lifelong love of sports and physical activity for our Nation’s youth.”
“We are ecstatic to be recognized as a NYSS Champion,” said Kaig Lightner, Founding Executive Director of PCFC. “We are ready to unite forces to support youth athletes' physical and emotional health, build confidence, plan for the future, and experience belonging through equitable opportunities.”
“We are ready to unite forces to support youth athletes' physical and emotional health, build confidence, plan for the future, and experience belonging through equitable opportunities.” - Kaig Lightner
The NYSS is a federal roadmap with actionable strategies for youth, adults who interact with youth, organizations, communities, and public policymakers to increase participation in youth sports and improve the youth sports experience. The NYSS vision is that one day all youth will have the opportunity, motivation, and access to play sports. NYSS Champions are recognized for working towards achieving this vision.
About PCFC
PCFC provides access to high-quality, affordable club soccer for low-income youth, ages 5-18, including LGBTQIA+, Black, Brown, Latinx, immigrants, and refugees. Our “whole child” approach provides young people with competitive athletic training and wraparound services that include nutritional provisions, social-emotional care, mentorship, education support, and social service referrals for the whole family. Learn more at www.pcfc.co or follow us @pcfcsoccer on Instagram and @PortlandCommunityFootballClub on Facebook.
NYSS Champion is a service mark of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Used with permission. Participation by PCFC does not imply endorsement by HHS/ODPHP.
About the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
ODPHP plays a vital role in keeping the Nation healthy through Healthy People 2030, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition, and other programs, services, and education activities. ODPHP is part of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. To learn more about ODPHP visit health.gov or follow @HealthGov on Twitter and @HHSHealthGov on Facebook.
###