PHOENIX, Arizona – Phoenix Rising FC, in partnership with Equality Health Foundation, held two soccer clinics in Greater South Phoenix last week.

“Engaging students in team-based activities like soccer that promote physical, mental and social well-being will prepare the next generation for long-term success,” said Tomas Leon, president of Equality Health Foundation. “A healthy child is more prepared to learn, and an educated child has a higher likelihood of living a healthier, longer life. It is an honor partnering with our school district partners and Phoenix Rising to create these meaningful opportunities.”

The clinics were made possible with the support from Equality Health Foundation. The clinics, facilitated by coaches from the Phoenix Rising Academy, and on-site wellness resources from Equality Health Foundation, were designed to promote a well-being transformation around the city. Rising's Academy coaches were assisted by three professional players, Carlos Anguiano, Patrick Rakovsky and Niall Dunn.

“Phoenix Rising is honored to have our players and coaches assist Equality Health Foundation in serving the local community,” said Rising president Bobby Dulle. “Soccer offers so many life advantages to children that play and grow to love the game. We hope to one day see some of these same boys and girls playing in our academy, our pro team or supporting Phoenix Rising as fans.”

The first clinic, featuring Anguiano and Rakovsky was held at Maxine O. Bush Elementary School on May 15. Phoenix Rising Academy coaches Neil Graham and Adalberto Peregrino ran the clinic for 100, fourth-through-eighth-grade students.

“We are extremely excited and thankful to welcome Phoenix Rising and Equality Health Foundation to Roosevelt School District,” said Luz Jimenez, director of communications and community engagement at Roosevelt School District. Maxine O. Bush students were super happy to be part of this clinic. The clinic creates an impact on our kids and gives them the motivation to continue thriving in their education. It also increases their interest and participation in extracurricular activities to keep them healthy and active.”

The second clinic was held May 16 at Morris K. Udall Middle School, where Dunn assisted Graham and Peregrino in conducting the clinic for 100 students.

“We RISE as a community by promoting academics, health and heart,” said Elizabeth Gonzalez, assistant principal at Udall Middle School. “Thank you to Phoenix Rising Football Club, Morris K. Udall students and parents, Barrio Bookmobile, AzAEYC, Southwest Human Development, Carillo Ice Cream Truck and Equality Health Foundation for partnering in last week’s youth soccer clinic.”

Media can click here to download photos, videos and interviews from the event for publication.

About Equality Health Foundation
Established in 2019, Equality Health Foundation envisions a world of vibrant and inclusive communities where all individuals have the opportunity to live healthy lives. A bold vision like this cannot be accomplished alone and requires extensive collaboration across local communities around the country to make a sustainable and transformative change—a movement for advancing equal health for all.

About Phoenix Rising FC
Phoenix Rising FC is the highest-level professional soccer franchise in Arizona history. Established in 2016, the club has won the 2020 and 2018 Western Conference Titles as well as the USL Championship’s 2019 Regular Season Title. Rising holds the record for the longest win streak in American professional soccer history (20 matches). It is owned by legendary Chelsea and Ivory Coast striker, Didier Drogba, Advantage Sports Union CEO, Alex Zheng, club chairman Berke Bakay and an impressive collection of local business leaders and international celebrities.

Phoenix Rising FC plays in the USL Championship, the largest Division 2 professional league in the world. For season tickets or more information call 623-594-9606 or visit PHXRisingFC.com. You can also follow the team on Facebook (PHXRisingFC), Twitter (@PHXRisingFC), Instagram (@PHXRisingFC) and YouTube (PhoenixRisingFootballClub) or by downloading the Official Team App in the App Store or Google Play.