Chester, Pennsylvania – A growing number of local teenagers are lacing up their cleats and stepping onto the field without paying a dime, thanks to a partnership between the city’s schools and the Philadelphia Union Foundation. The nonprofit arm of the MLS club has earmarked funds from its recently launched apparel line, “Exit 6,” to keep the Chester Soccer program free for participants.
Program basics and community impact
Students from Chester’s public schools gather in the foundation’s signature orange and black uniforms and travel to the WSFS Bank Sportsplex, located next to Subaru Park, for regular practice sessions and friendly matches. The initiative is designed to give young people a safe, structured environment where they can develop athletic skills, teamwork, and discipline while staying active.
Foundation officials say the program is part of a broader effort to invest in the city’s youth. “Our goal is to provide opportunities that help kids grow physically, mentally, and socially,” a spokesperson for the Philadelphia Union Foundation explained. “When kids play together, they learn respect, responsibility, and the value of hard work—principles that echo both family values and our faith‑based community ethos.”
‘Exit 6’ apparel line fuels the effort
The funding stream comes from the foundation’s new clothing line, “Exit 6,” which debuted earlier this year. The line features designs that celebrate Chester’s heritage and landmarks, allowing residents to wear their pride while supporting a good cause. All proceeds from online sales go directly to the foundation’s youth programs, including Chester Soccer.
Local parents have praised the initiative for removing financial barriers that often keep families from enrolling their children in organized sports. “My son loves soccer, but we couldn’t afford the fees,” said Maria Torres, a mother of two participants. “Now he can play every week, and I see him gaining confidence and making new friends.”
Broader foundation initiatives
Chester Soccer is one of several core projects the Philadelphia Union Foundation runs in the region. Other programs include the iAM Project, which focuses on mentorship and academic support; HEADFIRST, a leadership development series; and Safe Spaces, which provides safe recreational environments for at‑risk youth.
These initiatives collectively aim to strengthen families and neighborhoods, aligning with the community‑first values that many Chester residents hold dear. By offering free, structured activities, the foundation hopes to deter negative influences and promote a healthier, more engaged youth population.
Looking ahead
The foundation plans to expand the program’s reach in the coming months, adding more practice slots and potentially partnering with additional schools. Organizers are also exploring ways to involve local businesses in sponsorships, further embedding the program within Chester’s economic fabric.
For families interested in enrolling their children or learning more about the “Exit 6” line, information is available on the Philadelphia Union Foundation’s website. The foundation encourages community members to support the cause by purchasing the apparel, attending games, or volunteering at the sportsplex.
As the season progresses, the hope is that more Chester teens will experience the benefits of organized sport—building character, fostering friendships, and reinforcing the strong family and faith values that define the community.
Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.
