US soccer legend Clint Dempsey, Reliant and RISE Soccer Club to host free soccer clinic for Houston youth

HOUSTON – February 19, 2025 – Reliant, an NRG company, and RISE Soccer Club are coming together to host a free youth soccer clinic as part of the electricity company's commitment to “Grow the Game.” The clinic will take place on Saturday, February 22 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at RISE South Campus and will feature former U.S. Men's National Team star Clint Dempsey. The clinic is part of a broader initiative to grow soccer in local communities and increase accessibility and opportunities for young athletes.

“Our goal in supporting RISE and this clinic is to create opportunities for children to develop a lifelong love of soccer,” said Mark Parsons, senior vice president, Reliant. “As a proud supporter of the Houston FIFA World Cup 26™ Host Committee and longtime champion of RISE Soccer Club, we are thrilled to bring those relationships together to offer an impactful and memorable experience for local youth as we welcome world-class soccer to Houston.”

Texas-native Clint Dempsey, one of the most decorated players in the history of the U.S. Men’s National Team, will lead the clinic for invited youth players, offering a unique opportunity for them to learn new techniques and improve their skills. Dempsey is widely regarded as one of the most influential players in U.S. soccer history, having represented his country in three World Cups and playing for top clubs in both Major League Soccer and the English Premier League.

“Soccer is more than just a sport – it offers young athletes an opportunity to be active, make friends, grow emotionally, and become more well-rounded individuals. I’m honored to help inspire and mentor the next generation of soccer stars here in Houston,” said Clint Dempsey.

Reliant and NRG strongly believe in the power of sport and the impact it can have on young athletes, both on and off the field. Reliant has supported RISE Soccer Club for more than a decade and continues to invest in initiatives that help develop players and grow the game. Through a recent $100,000 donation to RISE, Reliant is supporting efforts set forth by the Houston FIFA World Cup 26™ Host Committee to grow the game and leave a lasting legacy in Houston following the competition. Reliant’s donation will help fund youth soccer clinics, student scholarships and the development of new soccer fields. 

Further, Reliant customers can also support RISE and help reduce economic barriers of playing youth soccer. For all customers who use promo code “RISE” when signing up on any eligible electricity plan, Reliant will donate $100 to RISE’s Financial Aid Program.

"Soccer is incredibly important to the children and families of Houston,” said Gary Doughty, president, RISE Soccer Club. “Soccer clinics offer our youth the chance to be inspired, to learn from the best and to grow as athletes and individuals. With Reliant’s generous donation, we hope to expand our full-service soccer program to significantly more children, and we are excited to kick off our campaign to build more soccer fields, which is essential to growing the game."

RISE, one of the largest nonprofit soccer clubs in Houston, serves more than 2,500 youth soccer players, with programs available for all play levels from recreational to elite national platforms for aspiring college and professional athletes. RISE offers an unparalleled development environment led by the most talented and qualified coaches who embrace and inspire player talents. The club, which recruits players from underserved communities, provides opportunities for children who may not otherwise be able to play in a soccer league with nearly $400,000 in annual scholarship support.

For more information on Reliant, visit reliant.com and to learn more about RISE Soccer Club, visit risesc.org.

Image credit: CC-By 2.0 attributed to Clint Dempsey and DaMarcus Beasley. This article has been edited by the sportanddev Operating Team.