Jul. 22, 2010

Scoring Goals And Setting New Ones

By Lisa Kestenbaum Daily Journal Staff Writer The month-long World Cup ignited soccer-fever around the world and a handful of Los Angeles attorneys are helping underprivileged youth get fired up about the sport in their own neighborhoods. America Scores is a nonprofit organization that uses soccer, creative writing and community service programs to empower 6,000 youth in urban communities nationwide. Volunteers from the Los Angeles legal community include Dana Schumacher of the Legal Aid Foundation, Bingham McCutchen partner Ronald Sittler, McDermott Will & Emery partner Paul Carr-Rollitt and Justin Portaz of Hogan Lovells. Last week Sittler, pictured right, was joined by U.S. National Team member Stuart Holden to lead a special practice for Scores alumni in the West Los Angeles neighborhood Palms. Holden, who just returned from the World Cup in South Africa, scrimmaged with the group of high school students and held two juggling contests where each winner received one of Holden's cleats. This fall, America Scores LA will host its 7th annual Scores Corporate Cup at the Home Depot Center in Carson. The charity tournament will take place on Sunday, Sept. 26 and winning teams will receive trophies during an LA Galaxy game. lisa_kestenbaum@dailyjournal.com