PHOENIX (Monday, December 14th, 2020) -- The Arizona Soccer Association (ASA) and four of its member clubs are partnering with the Anti Defamation League (ADL) to pilot the first-ever program involving club sports teams. The program, called No Place for Hate, is currently offered at more than 1,600 schools. The No Place for Hate initiative is designed to create a welcoming community committed to combating all forms of bias and bullying.

The initial ASA members clubs who will be participating in this program are Phoenix Rising FC Youth Soccer, Goodyear Soccer Club, Arizona Soccer Club, and East Valley NSFC.

"ADL Arizona is excited to launch the first of its kind partnership with the Arizona Soccer Association," said Catherine Lee, ADL Education Director. "This is the first non-school partner for ADL anywhere in the country. ASA is committed to community activation with a focus on challenging all forms of bias and bigotry on and off the soccer field."

Throughout the remainder of the 2020-2021 season, the participating clubs will be working towards their designation as a No Place for Hate Club by creating projects and community building activities that focus on building inclusive communities that address bias or bullying.

“ASA's partnership with ADL is an effort to create meaningful actions rather than empty statements with no follow-through," said ASA Director of Business Operations, Jazmyn Ledford. "Our intention is to create a safe anti-biased environment for kids to play soccer. We believe this partnership is the first step in creating that.”

If any clubs are interested in joining the No Place for Hate program, please email ASA Director of Business Relations Jazmyn Ledford at jazmynledford@azyouthsoccer.org.