Hartford Athletic Announces Creation of Charitable Foundation

HARTFORD—Hartford Athletic, Connecticut's representative in the United Soccer League (USL), has announced the launch of its new Green & Blue Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization. The foundation strives to make a difference in underserved communities through the Club’s five key Community Support Pillars:

• Health and Wellness
• Youth and Family Education
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Veterans and First Responder Support
• Economic Development

“From day one, Hartford Athletic has aspired to deepen our roots in the community, enhance the lives of those in need, and work hard every day to make our home the best place to live, work, and play,” said Hartford Athletic Chairman Bruce Mandell. “The Green & Blue Foundation will allow us to continue to deliver on this mission. Over the past two seasons we have hosted and participated in hundreds of community events and programs in our community. We are excited to take this to the next level with the launch of the Foundation.”

The Green & Blue Foundation, which has already raised over $100,000 in donations, seeks to promote hope and growth throughout Connecticut by delivering programs that enhance the lives of all in our community. New initiatives in development for 2021 include:

• Veterans and Diversity Hiring Expo
• STEM & Soccer Education Day
• Changemakers platform

The Changemakers platform is focused on identifying inequities and implementing change in the community. Changemakers will kick off with a Women’s Leadership Series in conjunction with the United Nations Global Goals World Cup team to focus on Global Goal #10, Reduced Inequalities.

In just its first two seasons Hartford Athletic and its corporate partners have worked together to make a major impact on the local community. Notable programs include donating over 20,000 meals to Foodshare, raising almost $30,000 for Girls for Technology and Boys and Girls Clubs of Hartford via the Annual Match for a Cause, supporting 15 local businesses impacted by COVID-19 through Shop For a Cause, and more.

“We can’t say enough about the great work Hartford Athletic does for us at Foodshare,” said CEO Jason Jakubowski. “Between the Goals for Meals program and the Shop for a Cause program, Hartford Athletic has helped us distribute more than 20,000 meals in central Connecticut over the past two years. We cannot thank them enough.”

“We are excited for the launch of the Green & Blue Foundation,” added Sam Gray, President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford. "This will have a tremendous impact on families in the Greater Hartford community.”

Allison Mannette, a Connecticut native and Central Connecticut State University graduate, has been named the Director of the Foundation. Lily Donatelli, also a Connecticut native and Hartford Athletic’s Community Engagement Manager, will also oversee the implementation of the Foundation’s activities.

“Allison and Lily have done an excellent job establishing our presence in the community, and as an organization we are excited to continue to develop leaders,” Mandell added. “Their talent and passion for community engagement is the perfect fit for the launch of our Foundation.”

The Green & Blue Foundation also unveiled its logo.

For more information about the Green & Blue Foundation and ways that you can get involved, please visit hartfordathletic.com/foundation or email Allison Mannette directly at amannette@hartfordathletic.com.

Open Tryouts
Hartford Athletic will be hosting 2021 Open Tryouts on February 20th and 21st for Connecticut residents only (due to COVID-19 restrictions). Stay tuned for options for those residing outside of Connecticut.

In the first two seasons, three players have been signed to the first team out of open tryouts including current players Conor McGlynn and Alfonso Vazquez. Five players were invited to continue their trial during preseason in 2020. Don't miss your chance to make the 2021 squad!

Hartford Athletic coaches and some players will be on hand throughout the tryout. Extensive health protocols will be in place.

—Staff Reports