The full release, copied below, can also be seen at http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/us-fund-for-unicef-and,913135.shtml.

To see other MLS W.O.R.K.S. projects, please visit http://web.mlsnet.com/mls/programs/mls_works/.

NEW YORK, Aug. 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The U.S. Fund for UNICEF today announced their partnership with Major League Soccer (MLS) to create a soccer-focused community outreach program to involve the youth soccer community in activities that will generate funds and awareness for UNICEF child survival programs. Through MLS W.O.R.K.S., Major League Soccer’s community outreach initiative, youth soccer members will participate in various campaigns, including Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF.

“We are proud to partner with MLS to provide soccer players and fans the opportunity to be involved in programs that will directly support UNICEF’s work to save and improve the lives of children worldwide,” said Caryl Stern, President and CEO, U.S. Fund for UNICEF. “Every day 25,000 children die from preventable causes; we believe that number should be zero.”

The partnership will kick-off on August 5th as part of the Seattle Sounders FC and FC Barcelona exhibition game at Qwest Field in Seattle, WA. The FC Barcelona team is a long-time partner of UNICEF – the team has donated over $6 million USD, and features the UNICEF logo on its team jersey, the first placement of its kind in the club’s 110-year history, reinforcing their motto, ‘More Than a Club.’

To help raise awareness and funds for UNICEF in 2009, MLS W.O.R.K.S. will encourage SAY Soccer – a national network of youth soccer programs of over 20,000 coaches and 150,000 players — to Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF. The fundraising challenge will teach members the value of community service, educate them about issues facing children in other parts of the world and empower them with the tools to be active global citizens making a difference in the world. Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF is one of the nation’s longest running youth philanthropy programs, and is often a child’s first experience with volunteerism in the United States.

“This is an incredible opportunity to teach our youth about the value of community service and global issues that impact children around the world,” said JoAnn Neale, Executive Vice President of Major League Soccer. “With our support, UNICEF has the resources and reach to give children the best hope of survival.”

Individual and team fundraisers will be awarded various prizes including a trip for four to the 2010 MLS All-Star Game, a clinic visit with a MLS player and soccer equipment. SAY Soccer members across the country are invited to participate in Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF – to sign up, visit www.MLSnet.com/works. Resources for fundraisers and educators including downloadable lessons plans, activity sheets, fundraising ideas, e-card reminders, and additional materials can be found online at www.unicefusa.org/trickortreat.