Dean MS Receives Soccer Gear from Houston Dynamo Through Charitable Program
Dean Middle School and its students earned a welcomed visit from Houston Dynamo FC players Steve Clark and Marcelo Palomino on Sept. 7 as part of the professional team’s donation of soccer clothing and equipment to the campus through the Major League Soccer’s “Every Save Makes a Difference” program.
TUDN, an American Spanish language sports network, partnered with MLS WORKS, the soccer league’s social responsibility platform, and Allstate Insurance to make donations to local charitable organizations in MLS markets that are positively impacting lives in Hispanic communities, providing COVID-19 relief or fighting for social justice.
A $500 donation for every save made during a team’s TUDN or Univision broadcast was then donated to the team’s chosen beneficiary. A relationship between the school and soccer team connected the two entities, while Dean eventually showed to be an ideal fit through interviews and program needs.
Dean was selected as a Dynamo beneficiary for its April 23 game this season against FC Dallas. Clark and the Dynamo finished with five saves in the match, bringing the total donation for Dean to $2,500 worth of items for its soccer program on campus.
During the 2021-2022 school year, Dean participated in the Soccer Start program, an after-school intervention program designed to provide students with an incentive to help increase academic performance and develop soccer skills. More than 200 students applied for the program, which typically reaches capacity at 50 students per team.
A donation wish list with training equipment and uniforms was created, and the Dynamo’s donation more than exceeded the amount to cover the entire list.
In addition to the donation, Dean was also selected as a participant in the Dynamo’s “Futbolito in the City” program, which provides free coaching for 90 minutes once a week for 10 weeks. Participants will also have the opportunity to receive prizes from the Dynamo and Houston Dash and the chance to meet players.
Houston Dynamo FC goalkeeper Steve Clark visits and signs autographs for Dean Middle School students during a visit to 
Houston Dynamo FC midfielder Marcelo Palomino, left, poses for a photo following a presentation at Dean Middle School 
