Yokohama partners with US Youth Soccer

SANTA ANA, Calif. (Jan. 18, 2017) —Yokohama Tire Corp. (YTC) will be a sponsor of US Youth Soccer for the next few years in a deal that includes the creation of the Yokohama Skills Challenge, a nationwide tour designed to help children of all ages develop a variety of core soccer skills in a fun, engaging way.

"US Youth Soccer is the largest youth sports organization in the country and a remarkable group to partner with," Alan Holtschneider, Yokohama Tire director of marketing, said. "Through soccer, they teach the value of teamwork to millions of children across the country. We're glad to support them with opportunities like the Yokohama Skills Challenge, which will help keep kids active by developing fundamental soccer skills."

Financial terms of the deal, which makes Yokohama the official tire sponsor of US Youth Soccer, were not disclosed. YTC termed the deal a "multi-year" agreement.

The Yokohama Skills Challenge will be an opportunity for Yokohama to activate its partnership Chelsea FC, an English Premier League club. The Challenge will provide involvement for the Chelsea FC Foundation coaches to assist with the program and offer coaching and player clinics in select markets.

As an official sponsor of US Youth Soccer, Yokohama also will receive a sponsor page on the organization's website, online and print advertising in US Youth Soccer publications, social media posts on Facebook and Twitter, branding at US Youth Soccer events and more.

"We recognize the countless hours our dedicated members spend on the road each year, and we are fortunate to have a dynamic, proactive sponsor like Yokohama Tire join the US Youth Soccer family," said US Youth Soccer CEO Christopher Moore.

"Their ongoing participation, especially with the Yokohama Skills Challenge, will definitely make a difference in children's lives and help support our mission, which is to cultivate the growth and development of America's youth through the sport of soccer at all levels, and to make it fun so it becomes a lifelong passion."

US Youth Soccer is a non-profit and educational organization dedicated to fostering the physical, mental and emotional growth and development of America's youth through soccer at all levels of age and competition.

The organization has grown to more than 3 million players aged 5 to 19 registered from about 100,000 in its first year in 1974. US Youth Soccer is the largest member of the U.S. Soccer Federation, the governing body for soccer in the U.S.