​​Merced United and Zócalo Health: A Partnership for Health, Equity, and Youth Empowerment

At Merced United, we believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive—both on and off the field. That’s why we’re proud to partner with Zócalo Health, a trusted healthcare provider dedicated to improving health equity and access for underserved communities. Together, we’re working to create a lasting impact in Merced by combining the power of sports, education, and healthcare.

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Our Shared Mission​​​

The partnership between Merced United and Zócalo Health is built on a shared commitment to health, wellness, and equity. Through this collaboration, we aim to:

• Promote Health Education: By integrating health and wellness workshops into our programs, we’re empowering young athletes and their families with the knowledge and resources they need to lead healthier lives.

• Reduce Financial Barriers: Through scholarships and financial hardship support, we’re ensuring that no player is left behind due to economic challenges.

• Foster Community Engagement: Together, we’re creating opportunities for youth to become leaders in their communities, advocating for health equity and positive change.

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Scholarships for Health-Focused Careers
As part of this partnership, Zócalo Health is funding the Merced United-Zócalo Pathways Scholarship, which provides financial support to Merced United players in High School who are pursuing a health-focused career in fields such as medicine, nursing, public health, physical therapy, and sports medicine. This scholarship is more than just financial aid—it’s an investment in the future of healthcare in our community. By supporting these young leaders, we’re helping to build a pipeline of diverse, passionate professionals who will give back to Merced and beyond.
 

Scholarship Details:
Application Deadline- May 1st, 2025.
Number of Awards- Two scholarships of $2,000 each.
Selection Criteria- Applicants must be:

• Current Merced United players.

• Facing Financial Hardships

• Pursuing Health-Focused Career pathway in College.

• High school students attending a high school in Merced.

• Maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

• Active Involvement in the Merced Community.

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Supporting Families and Players in Financial Need
We understand that financial hardships can prevent talented and dedicated players from fully participating in soccer and other activities. That’s why, through this partnership, we’re also offering financial hardship support to help cover the costs of uniforms and participation fees. Our goal is to ensure that every player, regardless of their economic situation, has the chance to grow, learn, and succeed through soccer.

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Connection to Resources

As part of our commitment to supporting players and their families, Merced United and Zócalo Health aim to connect individuals with valuable healthcare resources. By applying for a Merced United-Zócalo Pathways Scholarship or financial hardship support, applicants acknowledge that their contact information will be shared with Zócalo Health. This allows their team to reach out with potential healthcare resources, services, and support tailored to those in need.

 

We believe in fostering a holistic support system that extends beyond financial aid—ensuring that players and their families have access to healthcare guidance, wellness programs, and community resources that can make a real difference.