November 10, 2021 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Orange County SC News Release
IRVINE, Calif. – The Embassy of the State of Qatar to the United States continued their partnership with the Orange County Soccer Club (OCSC) Community Foundation on Friday by supporting a special program for transitioning service members in Southern California. The Power Up for Success initiative was organized by Working Wardrobes VetNet Program in partnership with the OCSC Foundation and with support from the Embassy of Qatar, and included an all-day training curriculum that provides service members with the practical tools and skills they need to find meaningful employment when transitioning from military to civilian life.
The event was the second in a series of programs being organized by the OCSC Community Foundation with support from the Embassy and is part of their ongoing commitment to the U.S. military and its families in Southern California. Last July, the OCSC Community Foundation invited members of the U.S. military and veterans to its Military Appreciation Night game at Championship Soccer Stadium, an event which was also attended by a senior diplomat from the Consulate General of Qatar in Los Angeles. Upcoming OCSC Community Foundation programs, in which the Embassy has partnered with the OCSC Foundation to support, include a soccer training camp at Irvine’s Great Park for children of active military personnel and veterans and a one-day soccer tournament at the Camp Pendleton base.
“As one of America’s trusted allies in the Middle East, the State of Qatar recognizes the service and dedication of U.S. military and their families in helping achieve global stability and security,” said His Excellency Meshal bin Hamad Al Thani, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United States. “For many years, we have collaborated with the Orange County Soccer Club to support all members of the community, from children’s sports programming and food insecurity projects to workforce reentry for returning service members. Together we will continue to demonstrate our appreciation for the community, and we are excited to renew our partnership in Southern California this year through the Working Wardrobes program for veterans and their families.”
As it prepares to host the pinnacle event in all of sports, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar continues to promote sports as an avenue for regional and global diplomacy. In less than two months, Qatar will host the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup where 16 Arab nations will come together to compete in state-of-the art stadiums, as a prelude to the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
“The OCSC Community Foundation strives to use soccer as a vehicle to promote health and wellness and create positive community impact,” said Lisa Keston, Executive Director of the OCSC Community Foundation. “We are honored to be able to bring soccer activities to our military personnel and veterans and to participate in Working Wardrobes’ VetNet Power Up for Success event. We truly appreciate the generous donation from the Embassy of the State of Qatar in the United States as we pursue these efforts.”
“The Working Wardrobes VetNet Program supports men, women, and families of our Military Veterans and transitioning Service Members through a variety of full wrap-around services and workforce readiness programs, in an environment of dignity and respect. It is both an honor and privilege to be of service to our Veterans and their families,” said Michael Barrett, VetNet Program Director for Working Wardrobes and Retired Marine Corps Veteran. “We are so thankful for our community partners at the OCSC Community Foundation and the generous support from the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the United States.”
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