NASHVILLE (April 23, 2020) – PENCIL, Nashville’s premier organization linking community resources to Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS), and Nashville Soccer Club, announced today their partnership to support students across the Nashville region.
“We could not be more thrilled to connect the enthusiasm, passion, and resources of Nashville Soccer Club to Metro students,” said PENCIL President & CEO, Angie Adams. “It’s incredibly important, especially during this challenging time, to show MNPS students and families the community’s support.”
Through PENCIL, Nashville SC plans to partner with public schools located in the neighborhoods surrounding The Fairgrounds Nashville, where the club is building the largest soccer-specific stadium in the country. NSC has already been an active partner of Whitsitt Elementary by offering students access to soccer through their IMPACT program, a youth enrichment soccer program hosting community-based pop-up soccer events at public park facilities, community organizations and local events.
In addition, and while students are at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the club is creating videos through PENCIL’s ProudlyPENCIL Virtual Learning Series to help with their educational and career development. The club together with Ingram Charities has also provided supplies that help facilitate at-home learning for students at home.
“It’s all part of the Nashville Soccer Club’s community-driven identity,” insists Brandon Hill, Senior Director of Community Engagement. “Community is one of our core values at Nashville SC and there is no better way to contribute to our community than supporting our local schools, students, and educators. We are excited to formalize this partnership with PENCIL and find creative ways to leverage the game to make a positive impact on students across the city.”
Support of community, including organizations such as PENCIL, is built into Nashville SC’s DNA. Majority owner John Ingram and his family have been longtime investors in the Nashville community and supporters of PENCIL since its founding in 1982. Ingram has been a PENCIL partner with a number of local schools and is currently partner with Napier Elementary, and is delighted to expand its support through Nashville SC.
MNPS is eager to engage with the team as they deepen their engagement with individual schools. “Nashville SC is an important new part of our community, and we’re thrilled to welcome the players and staff into our schools,” said Director of Schools Dr. Adrienne Battle. “We know they’ll be effective partners to our educators and strong role models for our students. We’re grateful for the support Nashville SC will offer to MNPS, which will fit right in with the tremendous partnership we’ve always enjoyed with PENCIL.”
In addition to today’s announcement with PENCIL, yesterday Nashville SC partner Captain Morgan pledged an initial donation of at least $55,000 to The Nashville Food Project, a community partner who uses community driven solutions to fight food insecurity through its ongoing programs.
