To Northeast United /Alameda Soccer Club Players, Coaches, Families and Fans:

We are thrilled to formally announce our community partnership with

CLICK HERE TO DONATE NOW!

The centerpiece benefit to our club is our sponsorship and usage of the synthetic turf soccer field at the Concordia University Athletic Complex. The entire complex will span 4 city blocks and is currently under construction at the corner of NE 29^th and Rosa Parks Way. Target completion date is early September 2011!

FIELDS in the NE neighborhood that are safe for soccer play are in critically short supply. As our club grows and city budgets shrink, access to fields that are suitable for soccer has become more and more unpredictable and precarious.

The Concordia Community Partnership provides ASC/NEU with guaranteed access to superior facilities. It enables our club to expand our practice, training and tournament opportunities that in turn will significantly improve and expand the ASC/NEU youth soccer experience for players and families alike. It will be inspirational for athletes and athletics in our community.

Concordia University is a nationally recognized university whose central campus is adjacent to the Alameda, Beaumont, Irvington and other NE and North Portland neighborhoods we serve.

The Project: The Concordia University Athletic Complex will provide first-class facilities for soccer to meet the growing needs of Cavalier athletes and the community.

Athletic Complex Fast Facts:

• Entire complex will span four city blocks
• Synthetic turf, lights and increased size from current fields will allow year-round use and increased hours of operation.
• Each field will have a press box and stadium seating for more than 1,000 spectators
• Fans will enjoy new concession areas and the plaza gathering place
• Includes improved training resources and team rooms
• Construction has started!

What are you asking me for?

A financial donation now, to the construction of the athletic complex in the name of Alameda /Northeast United Soccer Club.

This is an investment in building a field and a relationship with a nationally recognized university in our own back yard. As NE & North Portland parents, we value and actively work towards goals that promote the health, wellness and character of our children and the betterment of our community. The ASC/NEU and Concordia University partnership of community and facilities will further help us realize these goals.

Donations already contributed:

• Your ASC/NEU Board has already contributed more than $5000 of personal donations to our Concordia Fields Project Partnership Fund.

• In addition, the Board has voted and donated another $15,000 from our field improvement reserves for the Concordia Fields Project Partnership.

• Our goal is to raise $100,000.00 for field construction on behalf of ASC/NEU and we are already 20% of the way there!

I want to donate now, how do I do it?

Go to www.bringtheteamshome.com

I am part of the Alameda/Northeast United Soccer Club: Yes

• Personal check can be mailed to:
• • Concordia University Foundation 2811 NE Holman St. Portland, OR 97211
  • Be sure to specify your donation is for the Athletic Complex on behalf of ASC/NEU

I need more details: Our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section that follows should answer many of your questions.

Your ASC/NEU Board members and Director welcome your comments.

Kim Dodge, Board Member, Concordia Community Partnership. (503) 595-1600 or (503) 806-1275

Tom Sincic, President, Alameda Soccer Club / Northeast United

Patrick Quinton, Vice-President, Alameda Soccer Club / Northeast United

Michael Archer, Director, Northeast United Competitive Program

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Frequently Asked Questions:

Are there enough fields in NE Portland? What are the issues?

• Yes, there are many fields but the issue is safety, quality and predictable access to fields for practices and trainings.
• ASC/NEU currently supports over 1100 players on recreational, development and competitive teams.

• Each year the directors and volunteers of our club struggle to secure and allocate safe and suitable fields to meet the growing needs of our clubs.
• Families require predictable, scheduled and consistent practice times and locations.
• Parents request fields for practice closer to their homes to alleviate the impact of travel.

What is considered a safe field?

A field that is flat, dry, without holes and hazards and suitable for soccer play. Fields that are not irrigated, flat or regularly maintained have a higher likelihood of causing accident and injury.

How is our club allocated fields from Portland Parks and Rec?

Portland Youth Soccer Association (PYSA) has a representative that sits on the Portland Parks and Recreation FIELD USE committee. This committee determines and allocates permits for all PP&R fields to user groups including, but not limited to soccer, football, baseball, lacrosse, rugby etc…youth and adult leagues.

PYSA then allocates practice field permits to clubs for FALL practice ONLY. This usually starts the 3^rd week of August and ends in November. High school use is given priority and is usually right after school. For game play, PYSA allocates time at Grant, Rose City and Delta Park as ASC/NEU's primary game fields. PYSA then schedules games for recreational soccer and allocates a portion of the field time to Oregon Premier League (OPL) for competitive games to be scheduled.

Winter practice - Currently our club has a direct relationship with Portland Parks and pays for field time at Strasser Field/Delta Park. Time at Strasser is in high demand and our current allocation is insufficient for our growing club. No Portland Park and Recreational fields are available for winter training.

Spring practice - Portland Parks and Recreation department does not allocate any fields for soccer practice in the spring.

Summer practice - ASC/NEU works directly with Portland Parks for some practice space. We are competing with baseball season demands. ASC/NEU has developed a relationship with Little League who has released fields to us when they are not using them. This has been helpful, but not always predictable.

Are we guaranteed to have the same fields every year?

There is no guarantee that we will receive the same number of fields or the same fields each year via PYSA. PYSA has undergone significant changes in the last 2 years, including the departure of key staff that had an awareness of our neighborhood footprint and our requirements in keeping our kids practicing locally. These changes at PYSA have brought an additional level of uncertainty to future field allocation.

What has happened to Portland Parks maintenance of fields?

Continuous budget cuts have eroded Portland Parks' ability to maintain fields and facilities. In the next budgetary cycle, Portland Parks is expecting additional budget cuts.

Why doesn't ASC/NEU put money for improvements into an existing field we already have permits for? We can and we have, but there is no guarantee that after putting in thousands of dollars for field improvements that we can keep access to any particular field. The more a field is improved, the more demand for access it receives from other users. In addition, fall soccer permits from Portland Parks and Recreation are not year round. Baseball and Lacrosse have priority in the spring. Soccer is considered to have priority only in the fall.

Doesn't ASC/NEU have access to Grant Park fields?

ASC/NEU, possibly the largest soccer club in the city of Portland, does not have any formal access to Grant fields for soccer practice. Indirectly, some weekend games are scheduled on the Grant fields through PYSA.

ASC/NEU does not have any guaranteed and predictable practice time on Grant Park fields.

Can't we utilize unused permit time at Grant field? Many times of the day there are no teams playing on fields, including Grant High School. It looks like there should be plenty of access to fields. During the fall there is no free time during the week, and weekends are booked up with games. Also, our players and their families require predictability for the scheduling of practices.

What kind of access to the NEW Grant field will ASC/NEU be given?

None - there will be no new permits issued by the Portland Parks for use on the new Grant field. This was part of the negotiations and approval for the field project. In addition, the project at the time approved, was prohibited from installing lights for evening activities.

What kind of field access do other soccer clubs have? Don't they have the same issues?

Yes. Successful clubs have developed on-going relationships with other institutions like Bridlemile and Oregon Episcopal School, FC Portland and Liberty High School. Eastside United is aligned with Gresham parks department and PCU is aligned with the Buckman Field along with St Mary's High School. ASC/NEU's alignment with nationally recognized Concordia University will provide our club with guaranteed access to premium facilities close by.

Will completion of the Benson Field provide ACS/NEU with any additional field time?

Possibly. If competitive clubs have other field options, it could possibly open up additional quality field space to ASC/NEU. However, we still compete for quality field time with many other sports and groups, no new permits will be issued for the new Grant field and the project does not include lights.

Is ASC/NEU also supporting the Grant High School Fields Improvement project?

YES! Everyone agrees that our community needs both fields. The ASC/NEU board is working with the Friends of Grant Fields organization to ensure the greatest benefit from both projects. The ASC/NEU Board of Directors encourages all members of our community to donate to the Grant Fields project as well as the Concordia Sports Complex on behalf of our club. Your soccer club board has also voted to support the Grant field fund with a contribution of $5,000 that was announced on September 17^th at the Grant kick-off event.

If I am donating to the Grant Fields project, why should I also donate to the ASC/NEU community partnership fund to build Concordia's Athletic Complex?

The Concordia Community Partnership provides ASC/NEU with guaranteed access to superior facilities and strengthens an on-going relationship between the NE Soccer community and Concordia University. It enables our club to expand our practice, training and tournament opportunities that in turn will significantly improve and expand the ASC/NEU youth soccer experience for players and families alike.

What is Concordia University's commitment to ASC/NEU?

• Guaranteed practice field time for Competitive teams during critical field shortage months of the year January through June.

• Rotating practice space for Recreational teams and the Development Academy throughout the year; includes some spring practice field time currently not available through Portland Parks.
• Preferred use of a first-class athletic facility where we can hold tournaments and our community events.
• First opportunities to receive notification and registration information for Concordia's soccer camps.
• Players and Coaches get in free at Men's and Women's home soccer games if they wear their team jersey.
• Partnership and co-sponsorship of ASC/NEU tournaments - fundraisers for our financial aid budget so that no child is turned away from youth soccer for lack of funds.
• Interaction with college age role models that demonstrate healthy, active and educated lifestyles.
• Opportunity to participate in adult camps/clinics when provided by Concordia University.
• ASC/NEU and Concordia will identify and co-sponsor events that meet the mission of both parties and the goals of the community partnership.

Does every youth player that wants to play soccer get to play?

ASC recreational soccer volunteers work very hard to form as many teams as needed within our area. The ASC Registrar works with Registrars from neighboring recreational clubs to bring together players in order to create full teams where needed, insuring a spot for all who want to play.

NEU is currently unable to offer competitive team play beyond U-14 and struggles to provide suitable, local practice fields to more than one team at each age level due to field limitations. Regular predictable access to safe, high quality fields is a key requirement for this level of competitive play. Prime practice and game time is September through November, then December through April; which necessitates lights and turf fields.

What are the benefits for my recreational soccer player?

• Opportunity to play in an athletic complex with their recreational team
• Your recreational soccer player may become a competitive soccer player or attend the Development Academy sessions held at the sports complex
• Teams may sign up for the Concordia Buddy program
• Ability to hold tournament fundraisers that can provide financial aid to the club so that no child is turned away for lack of funding.
• Players/teams may attend Concordia Men's and Women's soccer games for free
• U11 and older teams can sign up to be Ball Boys and Girls at Concordia home games
• U10 and younger teams can sign up to scrimmage at half time during Concordia Men's/Women's games

What are the benefits for my competitive soccer player?

• Guaranteed access to a safe field during critical training months January through June when Portland Park fields are not available or suitable for safe training and play
• Closer to home: the majority of our families will have less travel time to practice areas
• Home field for Fall games on a rotating basis
• All the other benefits mentioned above

ASC/NEU competitive soccer club has been around for 4 years. How have we been getting extra field access in the past?

The NEU Director has been diligent in developing relationships with Portland Christian, Madeleine School and competing with other users for purchased time at Strasser field through Portland Parks. This has been an ongoing challenge that requires a lot of time and resources. The lack of predictability for families and the frequent changes of practice locations wear on families and volunteer resources. If you have not 'felt the pinch' then even more kudos to those field volunteers that are working on behalf of all of our kids.

What is the total investment needed for the Concordia University Athletic Complex?

The total budget for the Concordia Campus & Community Athletic Complex is $7.5 million. Concordia University's highest priority is to build a community athletic complex to accommodate activities that will benefit the collegiate athlete as well as the health of youth in their neighboring communities.

Concordia University is building a synthetic turf soccer and baseball complex. Lighting permits have been received from the city, making year-round use of the facility and increased hours of operation possible. Neighbors have expressed support for these well-lit, year-round turf fields and facilities for clubs, camps, kids, and student-athletes.

The Concordia Athletic Complex helps to address a need in Northeast Portland which has lacked well-maintained facilities enjoyed by other areas of the city. Over 50% of the annual programming on the Concordia field has been designated for use by community members.

• Stadium seating, dugouts, concessions, press boxes, and the alumni plaza will enrich the experience of fans and provide Northeast Portland with a premier, lighted athletic complex to accommodate the current need for facilities and enhance healthy lifestyles for local youth.

What is the timeline for completion?

We want to see players on the field by September 2011. The official groundbreaking ceremony was February 24^th and tractors are in the area now. Stop by or check out the video at www.bringtheteamshome.com

How does Concordia leverage the donations and support from our community with their donor base? When Concordia University approaches potential institutional donors, partnerships with community groups, especially organized ones serving large numbers of local youth like us, support their case. Partnerships will result in extending outreach to Northeast Portland children and neighborhoods, particularly for at-risk youth and low income neighborhoods; creating social, recreational and athletic opportunities for more kids.

Where is Concordia again?

Concordia University is located in one of the most economically and culturally diverse areas in Oregon. To get there from Grant High School, head North on 33^rd Avenue, past Kennedy School to Rosa Parks Way. Take a left and follow the street to the heart of campus. If you turn right on 29^th Avenue, you will see the Field site on your left, between Liberty & Dekum.

How can I see the project?

• Visit the Concordia University Athletic Complex website at www.bringtheteamshome.com
• Visit the Concordia University's George R. White Library & Learning Center; the best views are currently from the 3rd floor. While you are at it, register for a free library card for yourself and your family. Your team can also reserve community rooms for your end of season pizza party and movie…

How can I donate on behalf of ASC/NEU?

Go to www.bringtheteamshome.com

I am part of the Alameda/Northeast United Soccer Club: Yes

• Personal check can be mailed to:
• • Concordia University Foundation 2811 NE Holman St. Portland, OR 97211
  • Be sure to specify your donation is for the Athletic Complex on behalf of ASC/NEU

How can I help?

Call your ASC/NEU Board members and Director and ask how! Our information is above.

The Alameda / Northeast United Soccer Club is one organization serving over 1100 youth soccer players from ages 5 through 15; from Mighty Mite players, recreational players, development academy, advance recreational players and competitive teams. Our non-profit club has been in existence for over 25 years and all the members of the board of directors are volunteers from our community. Our volunteer base is well over 300 adults.

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The ASC/NEU mission

• Provide a high quality soccer experience for our players, families, and coaches.
• Cultivate a culture that values and promotes character, fitness, sportsmanship, and teamwork.
• Inspire passion for sports through the game of soccer.
• Strengthen communities through strong neighborhood soccer programs.
• Teach and advance all aspects of soccer as a preferred team sport for youth.
• Invest and develop coaches for all skill levels and all players.

We seek to:

• Provide a well-run soccer program that meets the wide range of needs of recreational and advanced recreational youth soccer players and their families in our geographic area.
• Enhance our community youth soccer experience by providing a local option for competitive players.
• Maintain respect and awareness of the ASC/NEU program throughout Oregon.
• Cultivate and support the best coaching talent (parents as well as experienced coaches) for all skill levels.
• Attract and maintain a culturally and economically diverse player community.
• Provide financial aid to all eligible players under the financial aid policy, so that no child is turned away for lack of funds.

Concordia University:

Concordia University has a 105-year track record of providing high quality, service focused, Lutheran, liberal arts education and is well suited to create a transformative community space for youth and their families. We are a regional university with over half of our 2,400 students coming from within a 50-mile radius. Nearly all (97%) students receive some kind of financial aid. Last year, 20% of our undergraduate students reported an ethnically diverse background.

For the past five years Concordia University has focused on a community engagement strategy that has enriched North/Northeast Portland and touched the lives of thousands of our neighbors, particularly vulnerable young people and children who struggle to succeed in school and life. The Concordia President believes, "If we strive to make our community great, we will become a great university."

Concordia University is committed to preparing leaders who transform society. Experiences serving real people prepare students to become leaders in their communities while they are daily changing the face of North/Northeast Portland. Concordia does it for their students and our community. Concordia University was named for a second time to the Presidential Honor Roll for Community Service by the Corporation for National & Community Service. Also, Concordia was ranked #1 in the nation for student participation in community service among U.S. universities with master's programs, according to Washington Monthly's 2010 ranking. Through service, Concordia has become a more successful institution, linking students with neighborhoods, cultivating leadership, and promoting commitment to transforming the communities.