ARLINGTON, VA– Today, The Century Council announced its support of the DC Stoddert Soccer Scholarship program for the fourth consecutive year. The scholarship fund allows DC area kids the ability to play on soccer teams regardless of their financial resources. The Century Council is a national not-for-profit funded by distillers and dedicated to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking. Currently celebrating its 20th anniversary, it has long been a supporter of active and healthy lifestyles via its Ask, Listen, Learn: Kids and Alcohol Don’t Mix initiative.

The Ask, Listen, Learn: Kids and Alcohol Don’t Mix initiative is based on research by Harvard Medical School’s Dr. John Ratey, showing that for a person’s brain to function at its peak the body needs to move. The initiative includes an interactive game, as well as a supporting website which encourages kids to live a healthy lifestyle. The website also provides parents with information and strategies to help jumpstart the conversation about the dangers of underage drinking.

“For over six years The Century Council has encouraged kids to say ‘YES’ to a healthy lifestyle and ‘NO’ to underage drinking through our Ask, Listen, Learn initiative,” said Ralph Blackman, President and CEO of The Century Council. “By providing funds for the DC Stoddert Soccer Scholarship program we are building on that effort by giving in need kids the chance to play soccer and live active and healthy lives. We are extremely proud to help.”

The donation to the DC Stoddert Soccer Scholarship program will provide funds for area youth to play on travel soccer teams who would otherwise not be able to afford the team fees associated with playing. “We are very appreciative of The Century Council’s generous support of the DC Stoddert Soccer Scholarship program over the last four years,” said Dave Sarley, Chairman of DC Stoddert. “The resources provided by The Century Council will allow us to fund scholarships for many of the area’s youth. The Scholarships allow kids to play based on their ability to play rather than their ability to pay.”

About DC Stoddert Soccer
DC Stoddert Soccer is a non-profit organization currently serving more than 5,000 children and young adults in the DC metropolitan area. DC Stoddert Soccer is proud to carry on its 30+ year tradition of making its soccer programs available to all who want to play, regardless of athletic ability, ethnicity, or the financial background of their family. The organization provides scholarships to allow kids in need of financial support to play both recreational and travel soccer.

About The Century Council
The Century Council is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking and is funded by the following distillers: Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.; Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc.; Brown-Forman; Constellation Brands, Inc.; DIAGEO; Hood River Distillers, Inc.; Pernod Ricard USA; and Sidney Frank Importing Co., Inc. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia and chaired by Susan Molinari, The Century Council is a leader in the fight to eliminate drunk driving and underage drinking and promotes responsible decision making regarding beverage alcohol. The Century Council develops and implements innovative programs and public awareness campaigns and promotes action through strategic partnerships. Established in 1991, The Century Council’s initiatives are highlighted on its website at www.centurycouncil.org.