Subaru of America, Inc. today announced five local beneficiary organizations for its Subaru: Gear for Good initiative, which is dedicated to expanding access to and growing the game of soccer. Coinciding with the draw day announcement ahead of the soccer excitement coming to Philadelphia in 2026, the initiative will provide new and gently used equipment to youth in the local Philadelphia and Camden communities, underscoring Subaru and its retailers’ longstanding commitment to community and youth empowerment.

The selected organizations are:

• Capitolo Youth Soccer Club (CYSC) – CYSC uses soccer as a vehicle to instill universal values of fitness, fun, sportsmanship, respect, community, access, and equality. CYSC has a unique approach and philosophy to teaching soccer, nurturing players’ passion by providing an atmosphere in which they are free to experiment, create, and fail, without fear of judgment, resulting in truly fine players and ambassadors of the Beautiful Game.
• Dr. Henry H. Davis School – The Dr. Henry H. Davis School in East Camden is named after a Camden physician, school board member, Camden’s first medical inspector, and first chief medical inspector. His work in the areas of school health and nutrition saved countless children’s lives in Camden City. Currently, the school houses Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade for approximately 475 students of various learning modalities.
• Project Primacy – Project Primacy Foundation is a non-profit organization focused on youth soccer, particularly for Black and Brown children in inner-city Philadelphia. They aim to provide access to sports, mentorship, and other opportunities to support their development. The foundation has been involved in various initiatives, including free soccer clinics, and fundraising events like their “Dribble & Carry” Broad Street RUNdraiser. 
• Safe-Hub Philly – Safe-Hub provides a physically and emotionally safe space for young people to access opportunities and support through soccer-based out-of-school-time programs that focus on personal development, health, education, and employment. Their goal is to bring high-quality sports programming and supportive services to families, providing a one-stop-shop for families to receive support through the stigma-free circumstances of coming to soccer practice.
• Youth Development United provides children from under-served communities with extracurricular opportunities, inspiring them to excel. Specifically, YDU provides children and their families with memorable after-school and weekend opportunities that increase their access to mentorship, wellness, and personal development through various sports and recreational opportunities.

Alan Bethke, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Subaru of America: “At Subaru, we believe in showing up for our communities in ways that truly matter. These organizations are already doing powerful work to support kids through the game of soccer, and we’re proud that Subaru: Gear for Good will help deepen that impact, especially as we head into 2026. Every piece of equipment collected and donated brings us closer to breaking down barriers and making the game more accessible for all.”

Each beneficiary was selected for its mission to support local youth through soccer, sports, and development programs. These organizations will receive brand-new gear from Subaru tailored to their specific programs and needs. Through partnerships with Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union and the youth sports nonprofit Leveling the Playing Field, Subaru is also collecting soccer equipment via its donation bin network, which includes 17 Subaru retailers and Subaru Park, the Union’s home stadium in Chester, PA. This gear will be distributed to more than 100 youth programs on an ongoing basis in coordination with Leveling the Playing Field and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. Collection will continue through April 3, 2026, as Subaru works toward its goal of distributing at least 2,026 pieces of new and gently used equipment.

Susan Slawson, Commissioner, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation: “Philadelphia Parks & Recreation is proud to stand alongside Subaru, the Philadelphia Union, and Leveling the Playing Field in a partnership that puts our young people first. Every day, we see how access to sports can open doors—building confidence, community, and dreams for the future. As we prepare for the world stage in 2026, this initiative underscores Philadelphia’s commitment to giving every young person a chance to truly see themselves in the game.”

As part of the collection initiative, community members throughout Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey can donate new or gently used soccer gear, including cleats, goalie gloves, shin guards, soccer balls, and more, through April 3, 2026, for a chance to win a range of prizes, including a trip to the 2026 MLS All-Star Weekend. The Subaru: Gear for Good Sweepstakes (official rules) is open to legal U.S. residents at least 18 years of age who live within a 75-mile radius of Subaru Park.

Kaitlin Brennan, Chief Operating Officer, Leveling the Playing Field: “Partnering with Subaru in celebration of the global soccer heading to Philadelphia greatly amplifies our mission – to expand access and equity within the realm of youth sports. This effort provides children with the opportunity to get involved with sports at a young age, granting the chance to experience the holistic benefits of youth sports on their physical, mental, and emotional health.”

Charlie Slonaker, Chief Revenue Officer, Philadelphia Union: “At the Union, we’re committed to making the game accessible to every child who wants to play. The Subaru: Gear for Good initiative helps remove equipment barriers, so access is determined by passion, not resources. With the excitement of 2026 coming to Philadelphia, we’re proud to work with Subaru of America and Leveling the Playing Field to expand opportunities for youth across the area and help continue to grow the game.”

The Subaru: Gear for Good initiative will give even more kids access to the gear they need to join teams, stay active, and enjoy the game. Any surplus donated items will be shared with additional youth organizations throughout the collection period. For more information, including donation locations, eligibility details, and official rules, visit philadelphiaunion.com/SubaruGearforGood.

About Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered in Camden, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts, and accessories through a network of about 640 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill plants, including Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc., the only U.S. automobile manufacturing plant designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise®, which is the company’s vision to show love and respect to everyone and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA and the SOA Foundation have donated more than $340 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged over 115,000 volunteer hours. Subaru is dedicated to being More Than a Car Company® and to making the world a better place. For additional information, visit media.subaru.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube.

 

About Philadelphia Union

The Philadelphia Union is an innovative, forward-thinking professional soccer club competing in Major League Soccer (MLS) and one of Philadelphia’s five major league sports teams. Driven by unprecedented fan support, MLS awarded the Philadelphia expansion franchise rights to Jay Sugarman in 2008 and the Union kicked off its inaugural season in 2010. The club has reached the finals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2014, 2015 and 2018, and has appeared in the MLS Cup Playoffs in 2011, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. In 2020, the Union were awarded the club’s first Supporters’ Shield after finishing with the best regular season record in MLS. In 2022, the Union reached the MLS Cup Final for the first time in club history. In 2023, the Union reached the Eastern Conference semifinals, becoming the only Eastern Conference team to reach the semifinals in four of the last five seasons.

The Philadelphia Union is part of parent company Union Sports and Entertainment LLC, which also operates Philadelphia Union II, the Philadelphia Union Academy, Philadelphia Union Foundation and Philadelphia Union Youth Programs. With a commitment to developing youth, the Union has signed 25 academy prospects to homegrown player contracts.

The Union play at Subaru Park in Chester, PA on the banks of the Delaware River. The custom-built stadium is part of the Union’s unique waterfront campus, featuring a historic power plant rebuilt into a 400,000 sq. ft. creative office building, a state-of-the-art Training Complex, over seven acres of professional-grade practice pitches, and the newly announced WSFS Bank Sportsplex, a world-class, 365-day-a-year sports and recreation complex featuring indoor fieldhouse and seven outdoor fields. For more information about the Philadelphia Union, visit www.philadelphiaunion.com and follow @PhilaUnion on Twitter or Instagram.

About Leveling the Playing Field

Leveling the Playing Field (LPF) is a nonprofit organization committed to expanding access and equity in youth sports by redistributing new and gently-used sports equipment to under-resourced communities. Founded in 2013, LPF addresses the growing gap between those who can afford to participate in sports and those who cannot, recognizing the high cost of sporting goods as a major barrier.

Through a network of community donations and volunteers, LPF collects and sorts sports and recreational equipment, then supplies it to schools, community programs, and youth organizations across several regions. This philanthropic model not only provides gear but also empowers organizations to redirect limited budgets toward transportation, nutrition, staffing, and program expansion—making youth sports more inclusive and accessible for all.

With LPF’s support, youth programs are able to stretch their resources further. By removing the barrier of equipment cost, LPF helps create more inclusive and enriching opportunities for young athletes. Together, we’re building a future where every child has the chance to play, grow, and thrive through sports.

For more information, visit levelingtheplayingfield.org and follow us @lpfsports on Instagram. 

 

 

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) advances the prosperity of the city and the progress of its people through stewardship of nearly 10,200 acres of public land and waterways, and management of 500 recreation buildings, 166 miles of trail, and 250 playgrounds. PPR offers safe, enjoyable recreation, environmental and cultural programs and events throughout Philadelphia’s parks and recreation system. PPR promotes the well-being and growth of the city’s residents by connecting them to the natural world, to each other, and to fun, physical, and social opportunities. More than 3,000 full-time and seasonal employees proudly serve Philly residents every day, ensuring the department remains a modern, equitable and exceptional parks and recreation system. Visit www.phila.gov/parksandrec and follow @philaparkandrec on Facebook or Instagram.

Patterson Joint Unified School District (PJUSD) has been awarded a $25,000 Adaptive Sports in Schools Mobility Grant from the Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund to expand adaptive athletic opportunities through the Adaptive Sports Expansion Program. This investment supports PJUSD’s efforts to expand inclusive athletic programming for students with disabilities.

The Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund supports public schools seeking funding to start or expand adaptive sports programs and increase access to adaptive equipment for children and youth. This grant provides PJUSD with resources to help reduce barriers and strengthen inclusive athletic opportunities for students with disabilities, reflecting the district’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity.

Central to the PJUSD Promise, which focuses on integrity, perseverance, inclusivity, innovation, and excellence, is ensuring that all students, including those with disabilities, have access to enriching, supportive experiences that promote physical wellness, confidence, and connection.

Since launching our districtwide Special Olympics program in 2023, student participation has grown significantly, including the addition of a Junior Special Olympics for transitional kindergarten students. With support from the Bridgestone grant, PJUSD will expand this work by launching a new Fall soccer event serving students with disabilities from kindergarten through the adult transition program, complementing existing Spring and TK events to create year-round inclusive athletic programming.

The grant will fund upgraded adaptive basketball and soccer equipment, wheelchair exercise packs, mobility-focused fitness tools, and sensory and adaptive supports for diverse student needs. It will also support professional development for staff through the California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance conference to strengthen their ability to deliver inclusive, adaptive physical education instruction. These investments will allow more than 250 students across 12 moderate to severe special education classes to participate more fully and confidently in physical education and adaptive sports.

To find out more about the Adaptive Sports in Schools Grant or other District events, initiatives, and programs please visit www.patterson.k12.ca.us or call Neil Vento at (209) 895-7771.

• After two wins in a row, the Hull High School Football Team fell to Cohasset, 28-7, on Thanksgiving Day at home. The Pirates finished their season with a record of 4-7.

• Hull High’s winter sports season gets under way in only a few weeks. The Boys Basketball team begins the 2025-26 year on the road against Calvary Chapel Academy in Rockland on Friday, December 12 at 5:30 p.m. and then plays Rockland at home on Monday, December 15 at 6:30 p.m. (JV at 5 p.m.). The Girls Varsity team begins on Wednesday, December 10 at West Bridgewater at 4:30 p.m., and then will play Calvary Chapel Academy in Rockland on Friday, December 12 at 4 p.m. The JV squad will be at Rockland on Tuesday, December 16 at 5 p.m. The first meet for the Boys and Girls Indoor Track teams will be on Monday, December 15 at 4 p.m. at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston.

• For the full schedule for each team, visit https://www.arbiterlive.com/Teams?entityId=10611.

• Coaches, league organizers, and superfans – We need your help to report the scores and results of the latest events in Hull’s sports world! Please send local sports news and photos to sports@hulltimes.com. Deadline is Wednesday at noon. When providing details of the games or races, please be sure to include the sport/team, the players’ full names, and the final scores. When sending photos, names of those pictured are greatly appreciated, as well as who should get credit for taking the photo.

Thank you for your help!

Players must get themselves to one of five US cities and then take a team flight to Tel Aviv. The trip includes a one-week tour of Israel, team preparation in Israel, and competition.

All athletes in the youth sports brackets can qualify for a scholarship, and athletes can learn about that when they contact the team. Each athlete also gets a fundraising site and can get tax-deductible donations.

This is a unique opportunity available for young Jewish rugby players who not only want to play rugby internationally but want to connect with their heritage.

Interested players or parents should contact John Delport at johndelport78@gmail.com to apply or learn more.

LAKEWOOD, Ohio — For Sam Anderson, the Fieldhouse at Studio West 117 was a lifeline.

When the LGBTQ haven opened in late 2022, Anderson was going through a divorce and adjusting to single parenthood. At the Fieldhouse, he found a job – and a support system, a community that became both friends and family.

“I bonded with people that I met at a very dark time in my life,” Anderson said. “And Studio kind of saved me.”

Now the Fieldhouse is set to close at the end of this month. The management says the money coming in ultimately wasn’t enough to pay the bills. Court records show that an out-of-state investment firm sued the developers in July over unpaid debt on the property. On Nov. 25, a court-appointed receiver took over the Fieldhouse at that lender’s request.

Just a few days later, the owners announced their decision to shut the doors on Dec. 28.

Studio West 117 Fieldhouse closing

RELATED: Studio West 117 Fieldhouse will close in late December

“I actually broke down and cried,” said Anderson, who handles maintenance at the Fieldhouse and built the DJ booth and the stage platform. “I still get emotional about it. It’s hard.”

Anderson is trans-male and the father of a 5-year-old. He threw a birthday party for his son in the Fieldhouse courtyard. And he’s watched other transgender parents bring their kids to the building for youth sports programs, summer camps and other activities.

“Studio West, out of all the LGBT facilities that I’ve known or been associated with, has had the largest support for the trans community,” said Anderson, who fell in love again at the Fieldhouse and ultimately married his wife, who is also transgender. “There’s more trans staff here than I’ve ever seen at any other place.”

Dennis Spronck/News 5

Current and former Fieldhouse employees, customers and supporters describe an ambitious project that developers Betsy Figgie and Daniel Budish poured their hearts into. But the hurdles – the lingering effects of the pandemic, high construction costs, interest-rate spikes and fissures within the LGBTQ community – ultimately were too much to overcome.

Budish didn’t respond to a request for comment. Figgie, who is handling the gradual wind-down at the Fieldhouse, declined an interview request.

“It’s very heartbreaking. Very, very heartbreaking,” Chelsea Brennan said Thursday.

An electrical contractor, Brennan did some work at the Fieldhouse project early on. She’s also been a patron there for lunches, dinners and shows.

“I felt celebrated – not only in my own self-awareness, but in everyone else’s,” said Brennan, a transgender woman. “I could show up unapologetically. Didn’t have to answer questions. Didn’t have to explain myself. And never was interrogated for who I was.”

Dennis Spronck/News 5

She said there’s nothing else like the 24,000-square-foot complex, which includes a gymnasium, a restaurant, a community kitchen, a pizza kitchen and a rooftop bar.

“Daniel and Betsy put their reputation on the line, as well as their money,” Brennan said of the developers. “And yes, things came up short because the business wasn’t here.”

But, she added, “how many other people are going to put their reputation on the line and take that chance for the LGBT community?”

‘It’s for everybody’

The Fieldhouse was the first big construction project in a much larger plan to create a broadly inclusive district at the Cleveland-Lakewood border.

The developers own several other properties, including the former Phantasy Entertainment Complex at Detroit and Hird avenues and a large parking lot across the street, where a tire and battery shop once stood.

Though the properties were all part of the Studio West 117 vision, they are all owned by separate companies. Public records show that the developers owe more than $160,000 in real estate taxes across the portfolio. But the recent litigation and receivership are specific to the Fieldhouse.

Dennis Spronck/News 5

The defaulted debt is from a mortgage originally provided by Truist Bank, which filed a lawsuit against the developers in Geauga County in 2023. In early 2024, Truist sold the judgment – the right to collect on the debt – to Summit Investment Management, based in Colorado.

Now Summit, which invests in distressed debt, is trying to get what it can out of the deal. Court records show the developers owe more than $10.7 million in principal, interest and fees. Summit and its attorneys did not respond to inquiries from News 5.

In late November, Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Judge Steven Gall agreed to appoint a receiver – an outside expert – to take control of the Fieldhouse and maintain it during litigation.

The receivership could lead to a sale of the property. But it’s too early to say when that would happen.

The receiver, Mark Abood, said he wasn’t involved in the decision to close the complex.

“That was the owner’s decision,” he said Thursday.

Abood, a senior vice president at the Colliers brokerage in Cleveland, knows people who frequent the Fieldhouse to play pickleball. He was amazed to learn about all the other activities that happen at the facility, from twice-monthly free community meals to health and education programs to winter sports leagues, weddings and drag shows.

“It’s not just pickleball,” Abood said. “It’s not just a bar and restaurant. It’s not just a safe gathering place. It’s not just an entertainment venue. And it’s not just, by the way, for the LGBTQ community. It’s for everybody. It’s really a feel-good place for everyone to enjoy. And I’m hopeful that it will be back open at some point soon.”

That’s what Anderson wants to see, too.

“There’s good and bad with everything,” he said, acknowledging that some people who initially supported the project later walked away because they disagreed with how it was executed and managed. “But there’s a lot of people that did find good and enjoyed this facility. And I can only hope that someone buys it – and utilizes it for what it was.”

Dennis Spronck/News 5

‘It can be great’

Other patrons and partners echoed that in emails, phone conversations, text messages and posts on social media.

Marisol Martinez once worked as a security coordinator at the property. She started a Latin Night series that moved from the former Phantasy complex into the Fieldhouse after the project opened. Now she’s planning a final Salsa Lounge event there on Dec. 27.

The Fieldhouse gave Martinez a place to speak up and support other Latina members of the LGBTQ community – setting an example she didn’t have when she was younger.

“It was everybody of all colors, races, ages. And that was important,” she said. “It brought the whole community together.”

Sara Continenza, the founder of a nonprofit called Food Strong, has worked with the team at Studio West 117 on community-gardening and cooking programs. In late 2022, that partnership was featured in a New York Times story about the Fieldhouse, with the headline “Cooking Up a New Gay Neighborhood.”

Continenza said it’s disappointing to see the project fizzle. “It’s sad that there isn’t a massive LGBTQ-plus initiative like this anymore,” she said.

The developers tackled some interior demolition and environmental clean-up work at the Phantasy complex. They razed the old NTB building across the street and cleaned up that property, turning it into a parking lot and future development site with help from a state grant.

But most of what they hoped to create hasn’t happened – yet.

“I hope that what they brought to this community somehow will continue,” Brennan said. “It’s so much needed in the LGBT community.”

Sitting in the restaurant at the Fieldhouse, where employees are counting down the final days, Anderson echoed that.

“If you have the means to save this place, it can be great,” he said. “We’ve seen it be great.”

Michelle Jarboe is the business growth and development reporter at News 5 Cleveland. Follow her on X @MJarboe or email her at Michelle.Jarboe@wews.com.