Fort Lauderdale United FC continued its commitment to serving the South Florida community on Monday, September 7, joining the Jason Taylor Foundation for its 21st annual “Cool Gear for the School Year” event.
Representing the club were Fort Lauderdale United FC players Nicole Vernis and Grace Cutler, along with General Manager Aly Hassan, who took part in a special back-to-school shopping experience benefiting children from across Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
As part of the annual event, 60 boys and girls were each provided with a $300 shopping opportunity at Old Navy to purchase new clothes for the school year. To make the experience even more memorable, each student was paired with a celebrity or community guest who helped them shop, select their new gear and enjoy an afternoon centered around confidence, connection and fun.
“We were thrilled to have Fort Lauderdale United FC join us for this year’s Cool Gear for the School Year,” said Seth Levit, Executive Director of the Jason Taylor Foundation. “Our goal with this event has always been to create a memorable experience for these young people, and having organizations like Fort Lauderdale United and their players step up, spend time with the kids and embrace the spirit of giving back makes the day even more special.”
“Being part of this club means more than what we do on the field,” said Fort Lauderdale United FC midfielder Grace Cutler. “There is a real passion within our team for being part of this community and finding meaningful ways to give back. Spending time with these kids and helping make their school year a little more special is something we’re grateful to be a part of.”
For Fort Lauderdale United FC, participating in the event provided another opportunity for the club, its players and leadership to engage directly with the families and young people who make South Florida home.
“Organizations like the Jason Taylor Foundation are making a lasting impact on families throughout South Florida, and those are exactly the kinds of organizations we want Fort Lauderdale United FC standing alongside,” said Fort Lauderdale United FC General Manager Aly Hassan. “Our commitment to this community goes well beyond soccer. We want to use our platform, our players and our organization to support people who are doing meaningful work and help strengthen the communities we represent.”
The experience reflects the club’s broader commitment to making a positive impact beyond the pitch and using the platform of professional soccer to support organizations creating meaningful change throughout the region.
The Jason Taylor Foundation, founded by former Dolphin and Pro Football Hall of Famer Jason Taylor, has spent more than two decades creating educational, athletic and community programs designed to support South Florida youth.
Fort Lauderdale United FC is proud to stand alongside organizations like the Jason Taylor Foundation that are investing in local children and helping ensure students across South Florida can begin the school year feeling confident, supported and ready to succeed.
