TheTimbers Army and 107ist have joined a coalition to launch AC Portland Centers at six locations this fall.

AC Portland partners with a host school and to provide an after-school program focused on literacy. poetry, nutrition education, mentoring, and fundamental soccer.  The goal is to create community athletic clubs where soccer is used to inspire kids while nurturing creative expression, family engagement and community involvement.

Delegates from the 107ist have spent much of June recruiting 50 business and civic leaders from the Portland area to support the project.   Partners include Adidas, the Timbers, the Oregon Sports Authority and the U.S Soccer Foundation.

The program kicks off Friday morning with a breakfast in North Portland and a groundbreaking ceremony at James John Elementary School at 7439 N Charleston Ave.  The ceremony will mark the building a new field at the school, powered by the Timbers Army, 107ist and Operation Pitch Invasion.  For more information, click http://acportland.org/.