There is a lot of discussion taking place in European professional soccer (football) about a “financial fair play” plan that would actually tie spending to revenues. Such an idea about controlling spending has come up again recently after some teams spent boatloads of money, putting themselves in debt, and potentially having to pass along the costs to fans.

Turns out that at least one group today will be learning about financial literacy. In NYC, current US soccer stars Landon Donovan and Brian McBride and Mexican team legend Jorge Campos will be among those interacting with high school students, playing a video game from FIFA, soccer’s world governing body, and VISA. It is great to see sports, something kids take to easily, help impart these “non-traditional” lessons. Financial literacy is something we can all benefit from.

Landon Donovan, Brian McBride and Jorge Campos Play Financial Soccer with NYC Kids; Soccer Stars Visit Soccer Powerhouse MLK Jr. High School to Unveil FIFA-Themed Video Game that Teaches Money Management Skills and Participate in Soccer Clinic.

Media availability with soccer stars to discuss the importance of financial literacy education among teenagers and adults. The event will entail 40 students from Martin Luther King Jr. High School playing a new FIFA-themed video game, developed by Visa, that teaches fundamentals of money management and a soccer clinic that includes participation from Landon Donovan, Brian McBride and Jorge Campos.

WHO:

Landon Donovan, U.S. National Team captain and Los Angeles Galaxy star
Brian McBride, World Cup veteran and current member of the Chicago Fire
Jorge Campos, Mexican National Team legend
Jason Alderman, Director of Financial Education, Visa Inc.

Participants are available to discuss:

— The importance of financial literacy education and what parents and teachers can do to teach young adults about proper money management skills

— Lessons they’ve learned throughout their career when it comes to managing their personal finances

— Thoughts on the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ and upcoming qualifying games

WHEN:

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. EST
Wednesday, September 23, 2009

NOTE: Media interested in attending should arrive at 11:00 a.m. The event will consist of two portions: players coaching students as they play Visa’s new Financial Soccer video game and a clinic with soccer stars and students.

WHERE:

Martin Luther King Jr. High School Campus
122 Amsterdam Ave (between 65th and 66th Streets)
New York, NY 10023

BACKGROUND:

Visa has a long-standing commitment to global financial literacy, and has designed a new FIFA-themed video game to help teach kids and adults around the world about proper money management skills. Visa will roll out this new program in over 12 countries in the months leading up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.

RSVP

Brett Cummings
Fleishman-Hillard for Visa
brett.cummings@fleishman.com
W – 212.453.2469; C – 314.602.2237

Dianna Mangiantini
Fleishman-Hillard for Visa
dianna.mangiantini@fleishman.com
W – 415-318-4182; C – 415-595-9490