NEWS RELEASE
April 8, 2003

ROOKS CONTINUE COMMITMENT TO LOCAL YOUTH

A prime example of the Rooks commitment to youth is the Chico Rooks Healthy Life Challenge. This is an in-school program where Rooks players and staff appear at elementary schools in the North Valley and put on assemblies that teach students about soccer, fitness and the importance of living a healthy life. Last year approximately 18,000 students participated in this program. Students agreeing to commit to a healthier life style were rewarded with tickets to attend Chico Rooks home games.

This year, the Chico Rooks in conjunction with the Orland Unified School District, have created a pilot program where Orland teachers with follow-up with the healthy life theme in the classroom. The Rooks will then coordinate with Orland Unified in bussing the students to the Chico Rooks game on May 2nd. This is the first in hopefully many Rooks/Schools follow-up collaborations.

Another of the Rooks main objectives is youth involvement, development and dedication to the sport of soccer. The Rooks accomplish these goals in several ways. First, the Rooks players and staff provide summer soccer camps throughout the North Valley. These camps give youth players a chance to develop their soccer skills while getting an opportunity to know Rooks players on a personal level.

Eight thousand North Valley youth soccer players will participate in the Chico Rooks Kick-In-For-Kids program. This program emphasizes that athletes should make good decisions about health, fitness and nutrition. It also encourages them to be tobacco, alcohol and drug free. This year 14 youth soccer leagues and clubs will participate in the program.

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For more information, contact: David Stahl
(530) 343-7665