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Orlando City Foundation Announces 2016 Board of Directors, Adds Six New Members Leaders Embrace Power of Sports to Empower Community’s Youth through Various Programs

ORLANDO, Fla. (Nov. 23, 2015) — Orlando City Foundation, the community arm of Orlando City Soccer Club, has assembled its 2016 Board of Directors, adding six new local business leaders.

Comprised of leaders who blend their passion for soccer and community to make a difference, the Board is tasked with guiding the Foundation’s strategy and outreach efforts for 2016.

“We’ve brought on six new board members who embody the spirit of community and bring talent, expertise and energy to the table,” said Kay Rawlins, Orlando City Foundation’s President and Director of Community Relations. “We look forward to their input as we continue to use our influence and resources to strengthen our community for children in Central Florida.”

The Foundation focuses on tackling nutrition issues and minimizing childhood obesity in Central Florida through various soccer-related programs. In 2015, the organization ran free after-school programs across 10 title one elementary schools, supplying them with soccer equipment and NSCAA coaching certification, valued at nearly $15,000 per semester.

Three summer camps were established, valued at over $12,000 for 80 kids, including the first edition of the nationally accredited program Soccer for Success at the Jackson Community Center mini-pitch. Exercise and nutrition education were the main focus.

Lastly, over $30,000 were donated to three non-profits, including Howard Phillip’s Center for Children & Families; Parramore Kidz Zone; and, Summer of Dreams (a free summer camp for homeless children).

The six new Board Members Include:

• Carlos Carbonell, Founder and CEO of Echo Interaction Group
• Valencia Feijoo, Assistant Base Manager for Southwest Airlines
• Beth Hobart, Realtor with Keller Willams Realty
• Courtney Keller, Shareholder with GreenbergTraurig, P.A.
• Justin Luna, Attorney with Latham, Luna, Eden & Beaudine, LLP
• Fabio Silva, Realtor with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

The full slate of board members for 2016 include:

Executive Committee

• Kay Rawlins, Chair
• Stephen Dinon, Vice Chair
• Kim Praniewicz, Secretary
• Sheridan Smith, Treasurer

 Board Members

• Anthony Land
• Beth Hobart
• Carlos Carbonell
• Courtney Keller
• Erin Freeman
• Fabio Silva
• Jackie Hayter
• Justin Luna
• Sam Stark
• Ted McHugh
• Valencia Feijoo
• Valerie Svantesson

About Orlando City Soccer Club:

With three major professional teams, Orlando City Soccer Club (OCSC) has established itself as one of the preeminent Clubs in professional soccer.

One of the leading teams in Major League Soccer (MLS), and the only MLS team in Florida, the Lions have developed a rich history and passionate following since starting in the USL in 2011.   In their inaugural MLS season, Orlando City set a league record for an expansion team, drawing an average of 32,847 fans per home game – including 62,500 in the home opener – and became the fastest team in MLS history to host a half million fans. Orlando City has not only captured the passion of soccer fans in the City Beautiful, it continues to build its global brand as its matches are broadcast in 120 countries and in 30 languages.

The Orlando Pride, OCSC’s National Women’s Soccer League franchise, will begin league play in 2016 – bringing professional women’s soccer to Orlando for the first time. The team is led by renowned Head Coach Tom Sermanni, former manager for the Australian and U.S. women’s national teams.

Orlando City B (OCB) participates in the USL beginning in the 2016 season. The team plays its home matches at Titan Soccer Complex on the campus of Eastern Florida State College in Melbourne, Fla.  OCB continues the Club’s rich history in the rapidly growing league. From 2011 to 2014, Orlando City set the U.S. record for best start of any professional soccer club in its first 100 USL matches (66-12-22), winning three regular season titles and two postseason championships.

OCSC also has a youth club, Orlando City Youth Soccer (OCYS) and a U-23 team that participates in the PDL. Lastly, the Orlando City Foundation is active in the community year round, promoting health and wellness in children throughout the region, and raising funds for and volunteering time for various local organizations.

For more information, visit www.OrlandoCitySC.com, www.OrlandoCityB.com and www.OrlandoCityYouth.org.