Chapel Hill, N.C. –  When athletes from around the world kick off the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France this weekend World Cup champions, University of North Carolina Women's Soccer National Champions, Olympic gold medalists and Team First Soccer Academy founders Mia Hamm, Kristine Lilly and Tisha Venturini Hoch will be celebrating closer to home. The trio is collaborating with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) for the fifth consecutive year to host the Live Fearless soccer clinic on June 9 at Cedar Falls Park in Chapel Hill.

This year’s diverse group of Triangle youth soccer players will mark 1,000 young women who have been encouraged to live fearlessly both on and off the field.

The free clinic invites girls ages 8-12 from the Raleigh Boys and Girls Club, Rainbow Soccer, and Triangle United. Blue Cross NC is committed to shaping the future leaders of our state, and this clinic will empower these young women to be confident leaders.

“We are thrilled to partner with Blue Cross NC to empower young women to Live Fearless for the fifth consecutive year,” said Hamm, a Blue Cross NC Live Fearless ambassador. “It’s a great feeling to be in the position to share not only tips on soccer but also, team work, and self-confidence.”

This year the soccer legends will provide a memorable day of learning new soccer skills and sharing healthy habits. Girls attending the soccer clinic will receive a t-shirt, soccer ball, and autograph card. 

“The Live Fearless Soccer Clinic provides an unbelievable opportunity for a diverse, local group of girls to learn soccer and life skills from some of the best soccer players in the world,” said Reagan Greene Pruitt, Blue Cross NC vice president of marketing and community engagement. “By encouraging hard work, inclusivity and communication on the field, Blue Cross NC is helping young women feel empowered and confident in all aspects of life.” 
 

About Team First Soccer Academy:
Team First Soccer Academy is dedicated to providing young soccer players the opportunity to develop as individual athletes within a disciplined and collaborative team environment. Founded in 2010 by Mia Hamm, Kristine Lilly, and Tisha Venturini Hoch, Team First’s goal is to encourage players to respect the integrity of the game while continuing to nurture their love of soccer. With a combined five Olympic gold medals, five World Cup Championships, and 12 NCAA titles, this trio of highly decorated athletes hosts training camps across the United States in partnership with youth soccer clubs and academic organizations. In the history of competitive soccer, Hamm, Lilly, and Venturini Hoch are second to none because they always put the TEAM FIRST. To learn more about Team First Soccer Academy, visit teamfirstsocceracademy.com.
 

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina:
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) improves the health and well-being of our customers and communities by providing innovative health care products, services and information to more than 3.9 million members, including approximately 1.1 million served on behalf of other Blue Plans. Since 1933, we have worked to make North Carolina a better place to live through our support of community organizations, programs and events that promote good health.  Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Visit Blue Cross NC online at bluecrossnc.com. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.