Heat-Sponsored Programs Result in Increased Awareness of Soccer

Thomas Militello’s suggestions on how to promote soccer (Times, July 26) have a lot of strength behind them, but I would like to point out some of the programs that the Los Angeles Heat have been involved in to increase awareness of the sport in the past year:

* The team donated time to an anti-drug program. It did over 100 school assemblies promoting “Soccer is a Kick, Drugs are a Drag.”

* It offered free clinics to club and American Youth Soccer Organization teams in Los Angeles and Orange counties.

* Press releases about the team are distributed to over 120 reporters, which has resulted in increased media coverage.

* Ticket packages have been put together in an attempt to increase attendance at home games.

This past year the team went through management changes and it wasn’t until March when a new management team was in place. It led to a great loss of time in promoting the 1990 season. But our attendance has increased over 60% from last year.

As for a public-address announcer, if you know of someone who loves and understands the game of soccer and can show enthusiasm over the microphone while still sounding professional, please send some references to us.

JILL FRACISCO

General manager, L.A. Heat