In recognition of his exemplary efforts in making a difference off
the playing field this season, Portland Timbers defender, and
Southern Polytechnic State University All-American, Mamadou
"Futty" Danso today was named the club’s Community Player of
the Year for the 2009 season.
Danso, 26, most exemplified the goals of the Timbers Community
Outreach Program by making a positive impact on community values
and lending his time and energy to a number of causes and
philanthropic activities throughout the season.
Among his many contributions, Danso lent hours of his time to
numerous community appearances; helped raise money for local
United Way and Children’s Cancer Association branches through a
charity bowling event; visited children at local elementary
schools, sharing the importance of teamwork, goal-setting and
being a positive team member; coached under privileged kids and
worked with dozens of youth at the Timbers Nike Soccer Camps
throughout the greater-Portland area.
Danso, a native of Serekunda, Gambia, will be presented with a
commemorative painting produced by local artist Ken Rumbaugh
in recognition of his efforts throughout the season prior to
tonight’s playoff match against the Vancouver Whitecaps.
As a rookie with the Timbers this season, Danso logged over 1,000
minutes in 16 matches and scored one goal. He was an All-American
at Southern Polytechnic State University in Marietta, Georgia,
before starting his professional career in 2009.
Danso joins an impressive list of Timbers players who have made an
impact around the community in recent years, including midfielders
Brian Winters (2005), Tom Poltl (2006), Kiki Lara
(2007) and Miguel Guante (2008).
