In celebration of its 10th year of service, the Santee School District Foundation, which seeks to aid area schools produce good citizens and future leaders for our community, accepted a donation from Sportsplex USA.
Foundation president Michael Clinkenbeard accepted a check for $6,520 at a ceremony held on Feb. 6. The total donation represents $10 for each child who participated in soccer over the past three eight-week sessions held over the last calendar year.
In celebration of its 10th year of service, the Santee School District Foundation, which seeks to aid area schools produce good citizens and future leaders for our community, accepted a donation from Sportsplex USA.
Foundation president Michael Clinkenbeard accepted a check for $6,520 at a ceremony held on Feb. 6. The total donation represents $10 for each child who participated in soccer over the past three eight-week sessions held over the last calendar year.
“Our partnership with Sportsplex USA of Santee really supports the kids in our community to play sports,” said Clinkenbeard, the former softball coach at nearby Santana High School. “It’s been a win-win-win situation for everyone,” he added.
Clinkenbeard explained how important monies raised for the foundation are, while families benefit from the kids being involved in extracurricular activities. However, it’s much more than a sports program
“In addition, the funds will be used for new technology, books and the arts,” he added.
The soccer program started with about 100 children. It quickly grew, now serving more than 200 youngsters at the two indoor soccer facilities.
“We’re very thankful for the partnership between Sportsplex USA and the Santee School District Foundation,” said Santee resident and school board member (seat 4) Elana Levens-Craig, a board member to both the school district and the non-profit foundation. “It’s all about the people and the businesses in our community coming together to support our kids,” she stated.
Sportsplex USA was created in a public-private relationship with the city of Santee as a commercial venture on public park land.
“After one year, the soccer program has grown to be more successful than we could imagine,” noted Chris Vertrees, Sportsplex USA marketing director. “We look forward to supporting our community by continuing to donate additional funds to the Santee School District Foundation.”
The sports facility has also become an economic boon for the city and area businesses.
“We are already booked with events for practically every day for the rest of the year,” said Sportsplex USA President Bill Berghoff. “This includes ASA softball tournaments, Triple Crown Sports and other events.”
The influx of out-of-town visitors to Sportsplex USA also translates into unexpected dollars for local shops and restaurants, resulting in improving the economic impact for the region.
The Santee School District Foundation was founded in 2003.
