Laguna United Football Club Unites for a Great Cause All too often the true definition of what club soccer is really about is lost in the pressure of weekly competition, the constant battle of player recruitment and the quest for getting your team to the highest flight as fast as possible in order to avoid player attrition. However on May 31st Laguna United Football Club rekindled once more the real meaning of what a “club” should be. The word club is defined as “a group of people associated for a common purpose” and this definition was never more evident on that special Saturday night at Chapparosa Park in Laguna Niguel. When Lilly Torres, whose son plays on the LUFC BU12 team, was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor, the Laguna United family quickly rallied to offer support to one of their own. A celebrity soccer game was organized, combined with a silent auction, raffle and bake sale and the Laguna United parents, players and coaches came out in their masses to support this special cause. Due to her condition Lilly, who is a single mother of three, can no longer work and she needed the support to help ease her burden to allow her to focus on getting better. The support was overwhelming. Three time World Cup representative of the USA National team and Everton in the English Premier League, Joe Max Moore generously came out to play and sign autographs for the kids. T.V. celebrity and Los Angeles Galaxy presenter Mark Rogondino graciously acted as M.C. and played in the game. Then several ex M.L.S. players came out to entertain the large crowd. One of Southern California’s greatest, Jason Boyce (Miami Fusion, Columbus Crew) showed the crowd why his nickname is Flash, with his blistering pace and quick feet, as well as Laguna United’s own Jerry Tamashiro (Miami Fusion) gave a clinic in beating players one on one. Other acts of generosity came in the form of two sets of jerseys donated from Soccerloco and Nike that the celebrities autographed and auctioned. Barton/Parreira eyewear (worn by Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie) donated $1000 of sunglasses. Buffalo Wild Wings, who have been a constant supporter of all Laguna United fundraisers donated gift certificates. Then a variety of generous parents who owned local businesses donated food items, baskets and prizes that were auctioned off. Players and parents stepped up donating drinks, candy, food and baked goods, while the coaches donated private training and also played in the game. By the end of the evening Laguna United had raised over $4000 for Lilly but more importantly players, parents, coaches, local businesses and celebrities came together for a common purpose. Now that’s what a soccer club is really about. We want to wish Lilly a speedy recovery and say a massive thank you to everyone who stepped up and contributed to what was an amazing night of soccer and friendship. Laguna United FC.
Posted on: Tue, 10 Jun 2014 21:32:09 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015