When students begin the school year with the supplies they need and return to welcoming school environments, they are better positioned to focus on learning and success. This summer, Birmingham United Soccer Association (BUSA) partnered with United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) to help make that possible for students across Central Alabama.
Through UWCA’s Back-to-School Campaign, BUSA players, coaches and families came together to support local students through volunteer service projects and a backpack drive, demonstrating the power of teamwork both on and off the field.
Putting Teamwork Into Action
As part of the partnership, BUSA engaged teams and families in a Back-to-School Day of Action focused on helping students and schools prepare for the new academic year. Players ages 13 and older participated in beautification projects at schools and community sites, helping create more welcoming spaces for students returning to the classroom.
From July 22nd through 31st, volunteers completed service projects at Oliver Elementary School, Putnam Middle School, Stephens Park and the Montevallo Boys & Girls Club. In total, 173 volunteers contributed 346 hours of service across the four completed projects.
The partnership gave young athletes and their families an opportunity to put the values of teamwork, leadership and service into practice while making a tangible difference in their communities.
“We believe it is important to teach our players and membership the importance of helping others by working together to better people, schools and communities in our area.”
— Andrew Brower, Alabama FC Executive Director
Helping Students Start the School Year Prepared
In addition to volunteering their time, BUSA families collected and assembled 54 fully stocked backpacks, each equipped with essentials for a 6th grade student in Birmingham City Schools. Families also donated 10 bags of additional school supplies.
Every donated backpack, notebook and pencil represented a commitment to helping a local student succeed. Together, BUSA families helped students enter the classroom prepared and ready to learn.
The Power of Community Partnership
The partnership between BUSA and UWCA shows how organizations can make a meaningful impact through volunteerism and community engagement.
A service day, supply drive or ongoing volunteer partnership can help address local needs while bringing teammates, coworkers, members and families together around a shared purpose. By partnering with UWCA, BUSA extended the lessons of teamwork beyond the soccer field and helped strengthen the communities its families call home.
United Way Hands On, UWCA’s volunteer center, works with businesses, civic groups, faith communities, sports organizations and other partners to create service opportunities that address local needs throughout Central Alabama.
Make a Difference with Your Team
Preparing students for success takes all of us. Volunteers, donors, schools, businesses and community organizations each play an important role in helping students begin the school year with confidence.
UWCA is grateful to BUSA’s players, coaches, families and supporters for their generosity and commitment to strengthening our community. Their partnership created supportive school environments, provided needed supplies and helped students begin the school year ready to learn.
Ready to turn teamwork into community impact?
United Way Hands On can help your business, team or organization plan a Day of Action, supply drive or customized volunteer experience that responds to local needs and brings people together.