FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: John Taylor

(336)812-2006

UNIROYAL SOCCER PROGRAM TOPS $3.5 MILLION IN DONATIONS

GREENVILLE, SC (March 4, 2003) – Uniroyal Tire is entering its sixth season this spring as a major sponsor of youth soccer, and the impact of its support keeps growing – with 225,000 free soccer balls given to families and a total $3.5 million in funds and equipment donated to leagues and US Youth Soccer.

Uniroyal Tire began working with its dealers in fall 2000 to support their local youth soccer leagues. This past fall, almost 800 dealers across the U.S. teamed up with the tire brand to provide free soccer balls to families and hold fundraising promotions for the leagues (each league receives $2 for every Uniroyal tire sold to the general public during the 30-day promotion).

The leagues have used the financial donations to fund scholarships for underprivileged children, TOPSoccer programs, new field development and operational expenses.

“This is really a tremendous program because everyone benefits,” said Uniroyal Brand Director Tim Jamison. “The kids get free soccer balls, the leagues get funds, and we get the opportunity to meet new families and provide support in our local communities.”

Jamison added, “We want to make 2003 our biggest year yet with more of our dealers getting involved in communities across America. We’re proud to play a role in fostering the growth of youth soccer. It’s a great game for kids of all ages and is such a wonderful activity for the entire family.”

In addition to working with its dealers to support youth soccer at the grassroots level, Uniroyal is entering its fourth year as a national sponsor of US Youth Soccer and title sponsor of TOPSoccer, the association’s outreach program for children with disabilities.

Uniroyal provides general support for TOPSoccer through its sponsorship and has also donated specialized equipment, such as jingle balls and oversized soccer balls, to programs across the country. Additionally, Uniroyal has retained soccer star Julie Foudy to raise public awareness of TOPSoccer through media interviews, including appearances on The Today Show, CNN and ESPN. This year also marked the inaugural year of the Uniroyal Tire/US Youth Soccer Buddy of the Year program rewarding dedicated volunteers for their efforts and assistance in working with US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer programs.

“We applaud Uniroyal Tire’s ongoing commitment to youth soccer,” said US Youth Soccer Executive Director Jim Cosgrove. “The free soccer balls help the families, and fundraising dollars are always welcomed by the leagues and clubs. And through their national sponsorship of TOPSoccer, Uniroyal has really helped us fulfill our mission – US Youth Soccer, the game for all kids.”

For more information on the Uniroyal soccer program, visit www.uniroyal.com or call 1-877-894-3314 and for inquiries regarding the Uniroyal Tire TOPSoccer program visit www.usyouthsoccer.org.

###