Milk Chugs today announced that as part of its recently commenced US Youth Soccer sponsorship, it will launch a year-long local event series in conjunction with 1999 U.S. Women's World Cup champion Shannon MacMillan and world renown soccer star Carlos Valderrama. The ten-city program will include MacMillan and Valderrama leading a Milk Chugs tour of major youth soccer tournaments in the brand's key markets. Each athlete is slated to participate in a portion of the events.
"As the official milk of US Youth Soccer, Milk Chugs is about fueling up to meet any goal through hard work and believing in oneself. In MacMillan and Valderrama we have partnered with two great role models in soccer who we believe bring those values to life," said Jim Page, Dean's vice president of marketing. "In conjunction with these national heroes, Milk Chugs hopes to demonstrate to US Youth Soccer players the value that teamwork, commitment and working towards a common goal can bring to their lives on the soccer field and off."
MacMillan will launch the Milk Chugs program at the Atlanta Cup over Labor Day weekend, while the brand will concurrently be a primary sponsor at a major tournament in the Birmingham, Ala. market on the same days. MacMillan is also slated to visit Charleston, Pittsburgh and Salt Lake City throughout the course of the program. Valderrama will make stops on the Milk Chug tour in Albuquerque, Chicago, Miami, Orlando and San Francisco beginning in mid-September.
During each event, the athlete will conduct a talk with youth participants about their own experiences in soccer and the success that hard work and commitment has brought to their lives. Additionally they will field questions, offer game tips and sign photos for participants and attendees, Page said.
"I am very excited to help lead a program that fosters the development of youth players not only as athletes, but as strong individuals," said Shannon MacMillan. "The timing of the Milk Chugs program couldn't be better as our team's journey to the Women's World Cup Championship has provided me with unique life experiences about working together to reach for and achieve the highest goals. I believe that understanding the value of teamwork has led to my success, not only in soccer but in all aspects of my life, and I hope to deliver that message through the Milk Chugs program around the country." "I look forward to touching the lives of thousands of young soccer players through the Milk Chugs program in the coming year," said Carlos Valderrama. "I developed a passion for the game of soccer by watching role models early in life and it has paved the way for all my success since. My hope is to demonstrate that with commitment, these kids can uncover hidden talents and realize how much they are capable of."
Dean Foods Company's innovative Milk Chugs revolutionized the dairy industry when it hit store shelves in 1997 with its on-the-go, resealable bottle shape that allowed milk to become an anytime, anywhere "body fuel" for consumers. The company will continue to increase the profile of this unique brand and strengthen relationships with its consumers through programs such as US Youth Soccer and others, Page said.
Dean Foods Company (NYSE: DF) was founded in 1925 as a small Midwestern dairy with one plant in Pecatonica, Ill. Today, Dean's has grown into a major Fortune 500 broad-based dairy, pickle and specialty food manufacturer with more than 11,000 employees and annual sales over $3 billion. Publicly held Dean Foods distributes a full line of dairy products under its various brands from over 38 plants located in 15 states. More information about Dean Foods Company can be found on its Web site at http://www.deanfoods.com .