Just months after closing out a highly decorated playing career, former Louisville City FC midfielder George Davis IV has taken his next step, starting recently as the LouCity & Racing Foundation’s first program director.
Davis IV, integral in helping the club to consecutive USL Championship titles in 2017 and 2018, has turned his focus to ensuring kids throughout our bi-state region have access to organized soccer — and the healthy habits associated with playing it.
The 34-year-old is already working alongside the LouCity & Racing Foundation’s executive director, Jeremy Jarvi, who brings decades of experience to heading Soccer Holdings’ 501(c)(3) charitable arm.
“We are thrilled to have someone of George’s character, work ethic and soccer proficiency to develop and lead the foundation’s programming efforts,” Jarvi said. “George is well-respected in the community and passionate about helping create life-changing results.”
Founded in 2021, the LouCity & Racing Foundation exists to advance our community’s health and wellness through the beautiful game.
Fundraising will lead to initiatives such as soccer equipment, camps and clinics, youth academy scholarships and other ways to provide access while removing barriers to participation. As a result, the foundation intends for young people to improve their physical health, develop soccer skills, learn lessons about nutrition and practice life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and resiliency.
There will also be mentorship opportunities with current and former athletes like Davis IV, who continues to rank first in all-time USL Championship appearances from a pro playing career that spanned more than a decade. The Lima, Ohio, native sits third in league minutes played (17,005) and holds a top-10 spot on the scoring list (57) as well.
“This club continues to take on massive endeavors, and the foundation is another example of that,” Davis IV said. “I am very grateful to the organization for putting its trust in me to be the program director, and I’m excited to take on a new challenge professionally.
“Our goal is to have a positive impact on as many people as possible and use soccer as a tool to do so. We have an opportunity to build something special and sustainable that will benefit our communities for many years to come.”
Davis IV signed with LouCity in 2016 and went on to be the club’s third-leading scorer in 2017, netting 7 goals in 30 appearances as the boys in purple went on to hoist their first trophy. Davis IV scored 8 more goals in 2018, plus served as part of the so-called midseason “triumvirate” of players that led the team through a coaching change on its way to another title.
Sensing his playing days were nearing their end, Davis IV took on a dual role throughout the 2021 season, working as LouCity’s team administrator while appearing in nine games.
The foundation leaders can be reached at jjarvi@loucity.com and gdavis@loucity.com. For more information, or to donate, visit LouCity.com/foundation.
