Established in 2009, a long-term vision for Chattanooga Football Club was to have a foundation to serve the Chattanooga community and enrich the lives of children and families in economically or culturally challenged neighborhoods. Enter Operation Get Active. So far in 2019, which includes Spring and Summer seasons and the new pilot program, Kickstart, they have served 1,350 kids from 24 schools and 10 YFD centers.
Kickstart was launched in response to a critical need for adults with disabilities to have access to team-based, socializing sports activities to improve their health and well-being. People with disabilities are at a much greater risk for serious health problems associated with a lack of exercise or physical activity. Adults with disabilities were twice as likely to be physically inactive than those without due to a number of barriers, including personal ones such as pain, a lack of energy, or the perception that exercise is impossible, or environmental ones, such as a lack of access to a safe space, transportation, or mobility equipment.
Following Kickstart’s successful summer pilot, the plan is to expand the program to include services at Orange Grove Center for 30 participants in Spring 2020. Participants will work closely with a team of coaches to learn the rules of soccer and how to engage with the game in a friendly and cooperative way. Activities will take place once a week for eight weeks and include warm-ups, team-building, socialization, and of course, soccer. Additionally, they will provide a social outing for all participants to attend a Chattanooga Football game.
UNFoundation funding will go toward soccer equipment, jerseys, field rent, marketing, and salaries.