Philadelphia, PA – The Western Cape Citrus Producers Forum (WCCPF), a consortium of South African citrus growers, is again joining with US Youth Soccer. It is the fourth year the two have joined together to combine the delicious and nutritious taste of South African Summer Citrus with youth soccer, the fastest growing sport in the U.S. www.summercitrus.com
“Our association with US Youth Soccer is a natural tie,” said Gerrit van der Merwe, chairman of the WCCPF. “The wholesome quality and juicy sweetness of our citrus has long made oranges an excellent refresher during and after a soccer match.”
The WCCPF and U.S. Youth Soccer partnership begins this year at the Region I (East) Championships July 1-4 in Lancaster, Pa. More than 5,000 players from Maine to West Virginia will participate in the regional tournament. In addition, the WCCPF will participate in the U.S. Youth Soccer National Championships in Phoenix, Arizona July 27-31. The National Championships are the culmination of the regional events and US Youth Soccer National League for top teams in the Under-14 through Under-19 age groups for boys and girls and will draw some 8,000 players and spectators from across the nation.
WCCPF representatives will provide oranges and clementines to spectators and players, and players will receive Summer Citrus logo-emblazoned water bottles and backpacks. In addition, WCCPF representatives will distribute coupons, recipes and temporary tattoos to consumers during store visits and at the athletic events.
A Summer Citrus Photo Contest will be launched July 1 at the Lancaster playoffs, inviting participants and spectators to post their photos enjoying South African Citrus on the Summer Citrus Facebook page. Running through July, consumers across the country can win up to $350 by posting photos of themselves being creative with the fruit. The contest can be found at www.facebook.com/summercitrus.
“A robust social media program for this season, combined with offerings of healthy and easy recipes will meet both consumer needs and interests,” said van der Merwe. “Oranges and clementines are both easy to eat, transportable and adaptable to any meal or snack.”
South Africa is the world’s second largest exporter of citrus, producing 60 percent of all citrus grown in the Southern Hemisphere. The fruit exported to the United States comes mainly from the region between the towns of Citrusdal and Clanwilliam, about two hours northwest of Cape Town, and the Northern Cape, near Kimberley. The WCCPF is a consortium of 350 South African growers eligible to export summer citrus to the United States.
For more information, visit www.summercitrus.com or find South African Summer Citrus at www.facebook.com/summercitrus. For more information on US Youth Soccer visit www.USYouthSoccer.org and follow the organization on Twitter and Facebook.
Source: Western Cape Citrus Producers' Forum