CHESTER UNION
OUR STORY
BEYOND THE GAME, CHANGING FUTURES
Welcome to the Birth of a Dream
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Imagine a world where every child can laugh carelessly, soccer ball in hand, as they journey home through safe streets. Imagine a world where the pursuit of happiness isn't just a lofty ideal but a reachable goal, thanks to a roadmap drawn up with care, commitment, and community support, Chester Union was born -- a synergistic alliance between the William Trippley Foundation and the Philadelphia Union Foundation.
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The Spark that Lit the Fire
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In 2004, a tragedy shook the Chester community when Will Trippley, a remarkable young man full of promise, lost his life to gun violence. Rising from the sorrow, his mother Patricia and his friends inaugurated the William Trippley Foundation, committed to reshaping futures and renewing hope. They envisioned a world where every child could develop intellectually, emotionally, and socially.
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Soccer: More than Just a Game
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Around the same time, the Philadelphia Union Foundation was crafting its vision of empowerment through soccer, laying down safe turfs, and igniting passion for the game in the hearts of young Chester kids. What if soccer could be more than just a sport? What if it could be an agent of transformation?
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Chester Union: Where Paths Converge
Two foundations, two dreams, one mission: to transform lives through soccer. That's how Chester Union was born—a philanthropic soccer club aimed at the youth of Chester, Pennsylvania. Designed for boys and girls ages 18 and younger, we offer more than just a chance to play; we offer a chance to grow, both on and off the field.
Our Ethos
We don't measure success in game wins or tournament trophies, although we believe these will come naturally. Instead, we focus on instilling a love for sport and providing a supportive environment where each child feels included. Leveraging the resources and signature programs from both foundations, our objective is to cultivate an ecosystem where players can dream bigger than their circumstances—a sanctuary, a community, a club.
Our Commitments
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Develop players who are passionate about being their best selves in every aspect of life.
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Cultivate a desire for lifelong learning and enhanced self-esteem.
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Provide for the underserved and remove the financial burden to play sport.
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Include all players.
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Connect young players to opportunities they wouldn't otherwise have, fostering their love for the game and equipping them for a brighter future.
Our mission is to provide the youth of Chester, PA, with a transformative soccer experience through our club, under the direction of the Philadelphia Union Foundation. We aim to empower young athletes, instilling values of teamwork, discipline, and personal growth, while promoting access to the sport and fostering community engagement. Through soccer, we strive to create a positive impact in the lives of our players, their families, and the broader Chester community.
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Our vision is to have a soccer club, operated by the Philadelphia Union Foundation, that serves as a beacon of hope and opportunity. We envision a club where children from all backgrounds, regardless of socio-economic status, can develop their soccer skills, nurture their passion for the game, and unlock their full potential. We aspire to cultivate well-rounded individuals who become leaders both on and off the field, contributing positively to their communities and beyond.
OUR PHILOSPOPHY
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Player-Centric Approach:
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We prioritize the holistic development of our players, nurturing their technical skills, tactical understanding, physical fitness, and mental resilience.
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We value the individuality of each player, creating an inclusive and supportive environment where every child can thrive and express themselves freely.
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Positive Coaching:
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We believe in the power of positive coaching, where our coaches serve as mentors, role models, and sources of inspiration for our players.
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We encourage coaches to emphasize sportsmanship, fair play, and respect for teammates, opponents, referees, and the game itself.
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Community Engagement:
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We are committed to engaging with the Chester community, collaborating with local schools, community organizations, and businesses to make a lasting impact.
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We actively seek opportunities for our players for community service projects, educational initiatives, and mentorship programs that extend beyond the soccer field.
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Access and Opportunity:
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We aim to remove financial barriers and ensure access to our club for all children in Chester, PA, by providing this club at no cost to the children of Chester, PA.
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Partnership with Philadelphia Union:
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We leverage the expertise, resources, and reputation of the Philadelphia Union to enhance the quality of our coaching, training programs, and player development.
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We foster a close relationship with the Philadelphia Union, organizing joint events, player appearances, and collaborative initiatives that connect our club with the professional soccer world.
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ABOUT PHILADELPHIA UNION FOUNDATION
The Philadelphia Union Foundation has demonstrated a commitment to using soccer as a tool for positive change in the community. Through its various programs and initiatives, the organization has impacted thousands of lives and created a brighter future for those it serves. Founded in 2011 the Foundation has 3 signature programs, and in addition the foundation funds and builds safe space mini pitches around Philadelphia.