February 24, 2021
University of Leeds Women’s Football Team Partners with Nonprofit
Athletes from the University of Leeds in England are partnering with The Younique Foundation this term to pilot a volunteer program that will be used across universities worldwide.
The University of Leeds women’s football (soccer) team was contacted by the foundation’s Atlanta office and Christian Aviza. Aviza, who volunteers with Coaches Across Continents, has created a way for athletic teams to be aware of volunteer opportunities and track their volunteer hours.
“This is the first group to try this concept,” said Karen Brown, Community Outreach manager. “The young women will be doing campus outreach helping fellow students learn more about childhood sexual abuse and its lasting consequences on survivors. The team will also be doing some fundraising events and help others become aware of the foundation’s resources.”
Leah Balmer, an intern with Coaches Across Continents who is attending the University of Leeds studying sociology, serves as project lead. She and other members of the football team contribute through marketing, conducting research, offering education, and helping with fundraising. These athletes consult with a corresponding professional Foundation staff member who offers guidance and support. In addition, the team is developing a template that universities worldwide can implement on their campuses.
“We selected The Younique Foundation because of its powerful mission that resonated with the team and its international reach,” said Balmer. “The flexible leadership and staff willing to collaborate with us has made the experience very enjoyable and efficient. We look forward to watching this project progress and achieve its potential with the help of The Younique Foundation.”
The University of Leeds women’s football (soccer) team was contacted by the foundation’s Atlanta office and Christian Aviza. Aviza, who volunteers with Coaches Across Continents, has created a way for athletic teams to be aware of volunteer opportunities and track their volunteer hours.
“This is the first group to try this concept,” said Karen Brown, Community Outreach manager. “The young women will be doing campus outreach helping fellow students learn more about childhood sexual abuse and its lasting consequences on survivors. The team will also be doing some fundraising events and help others become aware of the foundation’s resources.”
Leah Balmer, an intern with Coaches Across Continents who is attending the University of Leeds studying sociology, serves as project lead. She and other members of the football team contribute through marketing, conducting research, offering education, and helping with fundraising. These athletes consult with a corresponding professional Foundation staff member who offers guidance and support. In addition, the team is developing a template that universities worldwide can implement on their campuses.
“We selected The Younique Foundation because of its powerful mission that resonated with the team and its international reach,” said Balmer. “The flexible leadership and staff willing to collaborate with us has made the experience very enjoyable and efficient. We look forward to watching this project progress and achieve its potential with the help of The Younique Foundation.”
Recent news
02/29/2024
Saprea’s Statement on S.B. 205
The Utah State House of Representatives voted and passed S.B. 205, the Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Amendments. This bill ensures that K-6 students would receive appropriate and effective sexual abuse prevention education contracted by the Utah State Board of Education.
Read this article
01/30/2024
Support Survivors with a Message of Hope This February
This February, join the nonprofit Saprea in showing support to survivors of child sexual abuse through messages of hope. These messages will be collected throughout the month and gifted to survivors at the Saprea Retreat. You are invited to submit an encouraging note by visiting saprea.org.
Read this article
01/11/2024
Saprea Hosting Inaugural Golf Tournament at Topgolf
Saprea is holding the first-ever Saprea Golf Classic Presented bv Target River to raise funds for its fight against child sexual abuse. During the tournament hosted at Topgolf Vineyard, teams will enjoy competing on the iconic Pebble Beach golf course from the luxury of Topgolf bays.
Read this article