The USL Championship side will partner with the drunk-driving prevention charity to provide messaging and education at Championship Soccer Stadium throughout the 2023 season
Orange County Soccer Club is partnering with The Noah Benardout Foundation to remind fans to never drive drunk and get home safely.
The Noah Benardout Foundation was set up in memory of local soccer fan Noah Benardout, who, in 2019, was tragically killed by a drunk driver at the age of 24. In association with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), the Foundation seeks to provide education to end preventable DUI tragedies.
Messaging advocating Driving Under the Influence (DUI) awareness and habit-changing education will be displayed at every USL Championship home game at Championship Soccer Stadium in 2023, and will be featured in each game broadcast and on social media.
“For a club that hosts Beerfests and is about to launch whisky and tequila tastings, you might think it is strange to have a partner like this,” says Orange County SC President Dan Rutstein.
“But this isn’t about not drinking: it’s about being responsible when you do and about never driving drunk. We’re honored and proud that Noah’s name can live on through increasing awareness in and around his favorite sport.
“The message is clear: of course you can drink and enjoy yourself at a soccer match, but make plans to get home safely and never drive drunk, especially when rideshare options are available.”
As part of its efforts to ensure fans get home safely, OCSC will continue to operate an enhanced Designated Driver program at every home game. Additionally, an awareness training program will be held for all OCSC staff and players to promote habit-changing education.
“The Noah Benardout Foundation is proud to be a sponsor of Orange County SC to remind fans to Never Drive Drunk,” said Marc, Noah’s father and a season ticket holder at OCSC. “With traffic fatalities at a staggering record 20-year high, Southern Californians, and in particular Orange County residents, must take extra care to be responsible.
“With the help of the club, the Foundation is dedicating efforts to ensure fans get home safely and avoid the 100% preventable tragedies of Driving Under the Influence.”