STARFIRE SPORTS & STEVE ZAKUANI PARTNER ON YOUTH SOCCER TOURNAMENT

Starfire Sports & Steve Zakuani’s Kingdom Hope will inspire youth soccer players to
dream big and give big at the 2012 XTREME Cup.

Media Contact:  Chanie Sandman

206.267.6411

chanie@starfiresports.com

14800 Starfire Way, Tukwila, WA  98188

TUKWILA, Wash.—June 11, 2012—The XTREME Cup will see over 1,000 local youth soccer players come out to compete, but the event will touch their lives outside the blows of the whistle. This year, tournament teams will be inspired to live out their soccer dreams, while making opportunities for others to do the same.

“Starfire Sports and Kingdom Hope believe that soccer can change the lives of those who play it, and think it is important that anyone who has the desire to play should not be limited by means or lack of support,” said Teddy Mitalas, Starfire Sports Director of Business Development and Tournaments “We are excited to partner with an organization that is founded on these same principals, and can help us share those ideals with these players.”

Seattle Sounders FC midfielder Steve Zakuani founded Kingdom Hope in an effort to extend the support system that allowed him to believe in himself and achieve the dream he is living today. “It is my passion in life to help as many people as I can realize their dreams the way that I have, and inspire them to become great achievers in all areas of life,” Zakuani, said. “Partnering with Starfire Sports on the XTREME Cup will allow me to encourage local youth to realize their dreams as soccer players, but also help them grow as leaders and community members.”

During the tournament Zakuani will talk with tournament participants about his inspirational journey in the sport of soccer. Other members of the Sounders FC squad will join him to sign autographs and interact with attendees. Tournament teams will also work together, creating opportunities for others to actualize their soccer dreams, through fundraising efforts supporting Kingdom Hope’s programming and scholarship funds.

Through the event, Starfire Sports and Kingdom Hope plan to impact over one hundred and fifty kids next year by funding Kingdom Hope clinics and sponsorships.

Starfire will provide all teams that register for the XTREME Cup the tools to get players and their family members involved in the fundraising process. Every team that holds a fundraiser will receive recognition at the tournament, and prizes will be awarded to teams that raise the most. In addition to the team fundraising, Starfire Sports will donate $50 for every team that registers.

For registration and additional information about the XTREME Cup, visit www.starfiresports.com.

About Starfire Sports

Starfire Sports is a non-profit corporation delivering opportunities for every member of our community to enjoy the ultimate soccer experience. Starfire delivers diverse programming for youth and adults, knowledgeable and professional staff, and a safe and engaging environment for social interaction and community building. In addition, financial assistance programs, equipment donations and partnerships with other local and national non-profit organizations mean that all our community’s youth have access to world-class soccer facilities—regardless of economic background.

For more information, visit www.starfiresports.com

About Kingdom Hope

Kingdom Hope is an organization founded by Steve Zakuani with the purpose of helping and inspiring young people to pursue and achieve their goals through the sport of soccer.

This purpose will be accomplished through local soccer clinics, camps & tournaments through which Steve and other professional players will speak into the lives of these young people and bring alongside mentors to walk with and encourage them.

Kingdom Hope is also in the process of establishing a scholarship fund that will provide support to people pursuing higher education.

The culmination of Steve’s vision will be in the development of state-of-the-art facilities (first in England, then possibly in Africa and the U.S.), that will be a residential training facility committed to the holistic development of players (physical, educational & emotional) to bring them opportunities which they might not have access to on their own.

For more information, visit www.kingdom-hope.org