Operation Get Active is pleased to announce that the Volkswagen Belegschaftsstiftung (Workers Foundation) is continuing its partnership with OGA, committing $912,000 for 2022 & 2023. Over the past six years, the foundation has contributed $1,862,000 to the grassroots soccer program here in the Chattanooga region.
The donation will also help fund a new program called StrongHER, which increases access to soccer for female athletes.
Krue Brock, Director of the Chattanooga FC Foundation, says the timing could not be better with the World Cup putting soccer on more people’s minds this fall.
“This makes me all the more appreciative of the continued and increased support,” Brock said.
“We are putting these resources to work for a more whole, healthy, right, and beautiful Chattanooga and region.”
“Volkswagen Belegschaftsstiftung are excellent long-term partners who have given so much to our area,” added Chattanooga FC Managing Director Jeremey Alumbaugh.
The funding allows OGA to continue to provide after-school soccer programs in 25 Hamilton County schools, five in Bradley County, and a new expansion to five schools in Catoosa County.
“This partnership has provided the youth we serve with positive experiences they normally wouldn't receive,'' said Julian Ramierez, Director of Operation Get Active. “We look forward to the changes in our kids' lives as well as in our communities."
“The Volkswagen Belegschaftsstiftung was established in 2011 as a non-profit and charitable foundation” said Patrick Gundel, Project Manager, Volkswagen Belegschaftsstiftung. “The foundation supports educational and youth welfare projects for disadvantaged children and young people at Volkswagen Group locations around the world.”
"Chattanooga works best when we work together, and it's the support of outstanding corporate partners like Volkswagen that our community can continue to punch above its weight in bringing world-class sports programs to our residents," said Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly. "I'm proud to say that Chattanooga Football Club is a homegrown, locally owned team created by the community, for the community, and am thrilled that this partnership with the Chattanooga FC Foundation continues to thrive."
Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger added, “We are excited and enthused by the news. We think any program that encourages our students both male and female, to engage in teamwork, leadership and physical activity is a win, win!”
OGA has ambitious goals and expansion plans to work with 80 Title 1 schools in Tennessee & Georgia which serve tens of thousands of children.
"Providing opportunities for all children to thrive in every aspect of their lives is a cornerstone of our school district” said Justin Robertson, Superintendent, Hamilton County Schools. “The community partnership provides a real opportunity for the many students who participate in this after-school soccer program, and we are extremely thankful for this investment in our young people and the future of our community."
Operation Get Active, a program of the Chattanooga Football Club Foundation, introduces soccer through afterschool programs that meet for 90-minute sessions two times per week over ten weeks in the fall and spring. Each OGA participant is given a meal after their soccer session which is provided by the YMCA. OGA runs a summer program that meets for two-hour sessions once a week over seven weeks. More than 70 trained coaches run the sessions. The diverse staff includes current college students, recent graduates, and teachers at the partner schools. Since OGA launched in 2016, it has served 5,000+ youth.