BALTIMORE – US Lacrosse announced that Modell’s Sporting Goods will become a program sponsor for US Lacrosse’s BRIDGE program and Coaching Education Program (CEP). Under the new sponsorship, Modell’s Sporting Goods will support US Lacrosse’s programs in an effort to reach the communities where Modell’s stores are based.

Modell’s Sporting Goods will provide financial support and in-kind services for US Lacrosse’s BRIDGE program. BRIDGE stands for Building Relationships Initiate Diversity, Growth and Education. This program works to introduce and expand the sport of lacrosse in nontraditional and underserved communities. BRIDGE affiliates provide integrated lacrosse instruction and life skills enrichment to youth in inner cities across the country. Modell’s will provide the boys and girls BRIDGE teams that attend the 2009 US Lacrosse U-15 National Youth Festivals with team jerseys and equipment bags.

"We are excited to have Modell’s Sporting Goods support these important US Lacrosse programs," said Bill Schoonmaker, US Lacrosse’s chief operating officer. "Modell’s has a great reputation and shares US Lacrosse’s goal of responsibly growing the sport of lacrosse."

Modell’s Sporting Goods has also made a commitment in support of US Lacrosse’s CEP, providing financial support as well as a lacrosse starter pack for select clinic attendees. The CEP serves as a resource for lacrosse coaches and provides a multi-level, national, standardized curriculum for coaches at any level. Modell’s will also offer their Team Weeks group sales program to participants, allowing lacrosse players to purchase equipment at a discounted rate with a donation being given to their team or league at the end of each Team Weeks period.

"We are very excited to partner with US Lacrosse," said Kimberly Kriss, senior vice president of brand and marketing at Modell’s Sporting Goods. "US Lacrosse is a trusted name with leagues throughout the communities which Modell’s Sporting Goods serves. We understand how important it to maintain a dialogue with coaches and influencers to ensure that we are meeting their needs and lending support to their efforts for overall growth of the sport."

To help kick off the program sponsorship, Modell’s Sporting Goods is offering 15% off of a purchase of $75 or more for US Lacrosse members. Members can access this discount on US Lacrosse’s web site at www.uslacrosse.org/mvp/.

About Modell’s Sporting Goods
Founded in 1889, Modell’s Sporting Goods is America’s largest and oldest family-owned and operated sporting goods equipment, footwear and active apparel retailer with over 140 stores operating locally in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC.

To find a Modell’s Sporting Goods store closest to you call 1-800-ASK-MODELLS or visit www.modells.com.

About US Lacrosse
US Lacrosse, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, is the national governing body for men’s and women’s lacrosse. US Lacrosse has more than 250,000 members in 62 regional chapters around the country. Through responsive and effective leadership, US Lacrosse strives to provide programs and services to inspire participation while protecting the integrity of the game. To learn more about US Lacrosse, please visit www.uslacrosse.org.