Program History

2002 marked the first year of the partnership between the American Academy
of Dermatology, Major League Soccer and the United States Soccer Foundation
(US Soccer Foundation) to increase awareness about the simple steps the public
can take to prevent skin cancer - whether on the soccer field or in the stands.

The Chicago Fire, the Colorado Rapids, D.C. United, the LA Galaxy, and the San Jose Earthquakes participated in the program.  During Make Sun Safety Your Goal!^® games, soccer fans received a poster featuring autographed photos of players promoting sun safety, as well as bookmarks with sun-safety tips.  In 2004, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) joined the program and produced public service announcements for public transportation.

In 2006, ten of the twelve Major League Soccer teams participated in the program, reaching more than 163,000 Major League Soccer fans.  Fans attending a Make Sun Safety Your Goal!^® game received a cleat bag filled with information on skin cancer and sun safety, and a sample of sunscreen while sun-safety messages were aired throughout the game on Jumbotrons.

In addition, public service announcement (PSA) posters from five teams were distributed at the Make Sun Safety Your Goal!^® game day.  Players Chad Marshall from the Columbus Crew, Bryan Namoff from DC United, Richard Mulrooney from FC Dallas, Kevin Goldthwaite from Houston Dynamo, and Kenny Cutler from Real Salt Lake participated in the PSA sun safety message posters.

Media relations activities to increase awareness of skin cancer and the program were conducted in select markets including: Columbus, Dallas, Kansas City, Los Angeles and Salt Lake City.  Broadcast stories reaching an audience of 4.5 million were generated during the month of May on behalf of the Make Sun Safety Your Goal!^® skin cancer awareness program.