Rutland Tire and Wheel and Uniroyal Tire donated more than $1,150 in funds and equipment to Effingham County Recreation and Parks for youth soccer.

Uniroyal and its dealers, in their eighth year as a sponsor of youth soccer, have provided 735,500 free soccer balls to soccer families across America and donated $10 million in funds and equipment.

“The Uniroyal Soccer Program has been a perfect way for us to show our appreciation to the community,” Rutland’s Steve Starling said. “It’s been an honor to meet the families connected with the Effingham County Recreation and Parks, and we really enjoy the children’s smiles when they receive their free soccer ball.”

Uniroyal Tire Brand Marketing Director Kaz Holley said: “Every year we have exceptional dealers such as Rutland Tire and Wheel participating in our soccer initiative, which helps organizations like the Effingham County Recreation and Parks provide very worthwhile programs for local children.”

A free soccer ball is great, but one lucky soccer family will get a lot more. Families can enter the Uniroyal sweepstakes at www.uniroyal.com/sweeps. The grand prize winner receives a “free soccer season,” which includes tires, gas, registration and automotive services for the 2008 soccer season. Uniroyal also will contribute $1,000 to the grand prize winner’s soccer league.