NEW YORK – Major League Soccer announced the finalists for the 2017 MLS WORKS Community MVP Contest presented by Wells Fargo. Columbus' representative is the founder of Soccer4All, Lisa Stilgenbauer, who dedicated her focus on growing soccer accessibility amongst young men and women with special needs. Lisa’s inspiration came from her niece, who is diagnosed with autism and participates in a special needs soccer program north of Akron.
The 2017 MLS WORKS Community MVP Contest presented by Wells Fargogrand prize winner, as voted by fans, will be recognized on-field during halftime of the 2017 MLS All-Star Game presented by Target at Soldier Field in Chicago on August 2, and will receive a $25,000 donation for their selected charity. MLS WORKS and Wells Fargo recognize individuals who use soccer as a tool to make a difference in their community.
Stilgenbauer was a coach for the U10 and U12 Dover Soccer Association (DSA) soccer teams. Though she fulfilled her desire to support the soccer association, she wanted to make a bigger impact.
The lack of soccer accessibility within her community caused Stilgenbauer to found Soccer4All, the DSA league for children with physical and/or mental disabilities. The program is open to all children ages five to 18 with developmental delays or disabilities. The program was established with three primary goals – to spur activity amongst youth with special needs, develop friendships and have fun. Stilgenbauer recruits middle and high school players from Dover School soccer programs to serve as volunteer “soccer buddies” and assist Soccer4All players and coaches. In many cases, Soccer4All players are paired with a buddy to offer individualized direction and support. Lisa also works with local civic and business leaders to develop new and innovative ways to support Soccer4All programming.
Soccer4All players, buddies, and parents have all benefited from Stilgenbauer's efforts to bring soccer to those who need it most.
Throughout June, MLS fans had an opportunity to nominate individuals who are helping to build better communities. Twenty-two finalists have been selected, one from each MLS club.
The finalists were selected for making a positive impact in one of the following areas:
- Social issues focusing on inclusion, diversity and equality.
- Health issues affecting men, women or children.
- Community service for a local, national or international charitable organization.
“MLS is committed to giving back to the communities where we live and play our games,” said JoAnn Neale, Chief Administrative & Social Responsibility Officer, MLS. “The Community MVP Contest provides an opportunity for us to support and recognize the efforts of inspiring fans who are devoted to impactful community work across North America.”
Each Community MVP finalist will receive two tickets to a 2017 MLS regular season match in their local market, a trip to MLS All-Star week in Chicago, and an additional $1,000 donation from Wells Fargo, among other prizes.
“We’re proud to present the MLS WORKS Community MVP Contest for the fifth consecutive year, and we salute all the nominees for their passion and support of local nonprofit organizations across the country,” said Gary Korotzer, Executive Vice President and Head of Marketing & Brand Strategy for Wells Fargo. “Wells Fargo shares a deep commitment to supporting our local communities, and we believe when our communities thrive we can all be successful."
German Bundesliga-side and DFB Pokal-finalist Eintracht Frankfurt visits Columbus Crew SC and MAPFRE Stadium for an international friendly on Monday, July 17. The match is set to kick off at 7:30 p.m.
Columbus returns to MLS action at home on July 22 at 7:30 p.m. ET against the Philadelphia Union.
