I received the following press release, and I thought there might be some interest here: International Soccer Stars Unite To Fight Muscular Dystrophy Newport Beach Charity Soccer Clinic To Raise Funds For Research NEWPORT BEACH — May 8, 2003— Former English professional soccer players, Bob McNab, Dave Kemp and Jim Hinch will lead a soccer clinic for children ages 5 to 18 at Lincoln School in Corona del Mar on June 23 through June 26. The Inaugural Parent Project Positive Soccer Clinic will raise money for research at University of Pennsylvania that scientists believe will lead to a cure for some of the boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy - the most common fatal genetic childhood disease. “Bob McNab was my childhood hero growing up in London,” said one of the event organizers, Neil Brandom, 41. “And now Bob is helping find a cure for my son’s disease.” McNab played for English Premier League club Arsenal and England in the 1960s and 1970s and is a legendary figure in British soccer. He was a professional coach in the North American Soccer League (NASL). Brandom’s son Dusty, 10, a fourth grader at Lincoln Elementary School, is afflicted with Duchenne and is confined to a wheelchair. “It underscores the rapid deterioration that these boys face that Dusty was able to play in the last sports fundraiser we did a short three years ago. “ Brandom said. “Now he has to sit in his wheelchair and watch.” (Dusty’s family’s battle with Duchenne was reported in a March 21, 2000 Daily Pilot article by Richard Dunn.) The Parent Project Positive Soccer Clinic is the brainchild of long-time Corona del Mar business owner Jim Hinch of Chelsea Mortgage. Hinch was a journeyman professional soccer player who played in several English First and Second division teams in the 1970s. He continued his career in the U.S. with the California Surf and then the LA Skyhawks. He was NASL MVP in 1976. Hinch worked hard to spread the word and the skills in the then fledgling sport and was an award winning high school and college coach at schools in Orange County. “The Positive Soccer Clinic is a great vehicle for fundraising,” said Hinch. “All of the coaches donate their time and businesses underwrite the costs so that 100% of player fees go to muscular dystrophy research.” Hinch has been able to draw tremendous talent from his soccer enthused friends in Southern California: Dave Kemp played for English team Crystal Palace and was a coach at Wimbledon in the late 1990s seeing them to English Premier League and FA Cup success; and, Laurie Abrahms was a prolific goal scorer for the California Surf. “We also expect some special celebrity guests to show up.” Hinch said. “There is great interest in helping the little boys with Duchenne. Also, [sporting goods manufacturer] Adidas has been tremendously supportive. They are providing shirts and soccer balls for all the participants. The Inaugural Parent Project Positive Soccer Clinic runs 9AM to 12:30PM June 23 to June 26. The cost is $250 for children and $200 for coaches interested in improving their knowledge of soccer training. For information on the soccer clinic call 949/640-5530. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is the most common fatal childhood genetic disease. It affects approximately one in 2,500 boys. In DMD, boys begin to show signs of muscle weakness as early as age three. The disease gradually weakens the skeletal or voluntary muscles, those in the arms, legs and trunk. By the early teens or even earlier, the boy's heart and respiratory muscles may also be affected. The boys rarely live to adulthood. There is no cure or effective treatment for DMD. Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy Parent project Muscular Dystrophy is a grass roots, not-for-profit organization founded in 1994 by parents of children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy identifies and funds promising DMD research and helps parents with care options. ######### For more information: (Jim Hinch), (949/640-5530), (jhinch@chelseamortgage.com) (Neil Brandom), (714/814-2771), (brandom@cox.net) For more information on Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy: http://www.parentprojectmd.org Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy Executive Office 1012 North University Boulevard Middletown, Ohio 45042 Pat Furlong, President pat@parentprojectmd.org Phone: 513-424-0696 Toll-free: 800-714-5437 Fax: 513-425-9907 For more information on Adidas: http://www.adidas.com