Kicks for Cancer: An Event of Love
by Blaise Siefer / Mass Prep Stars
CONCORD-- On Saturday, September 24th the 10th annual Kicks for Cancer Soccer event will take place at Concord-Carlisle High School in Concord, Massachusetts.
Kicks for Cancer is an all-day event that is played in support of all families who have been affected by cancer. Every year money is raised through admissions, raffles, shirts, concessions, and more to support the cause. Since the inception of the event over $225,000 has been raised, with every cent going to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute to fund women’s cancer research.
The event first took place in 2007, when the Concord-Carlisle Men’s Soccer team created a game in memory of the tragic passing of Lois Wells, the mother of several former CCHS soccer players and current assistant coach Steve Wells. For the first three years, the event only included one game. Beginning in 2010, the event grew into two matches. A year later, there were six matches. Today, the event broadcasts eight matches, all at the Doug White Memorial Fields at Concord-Carlisle High School.
This Saturday will mark the 10th annual event. Games will be played throughout the day, starting at 11:30 am. A variety of teams play at the event, including both women’s and men’s JV and Varsity teams from both CCHS and neighboring communities. Besides CCHS, towns such as Reading, Woburn, and Acton-Boxborough will participate. The pinnacle of the event is at 7:00 pm, when the CCHS Men’s Varsity Soccer team plays its neighboring rivals and reigning Division 1 state champions, Lincoln-Sudbury Men’s Varsity. (see full schedule below)
“It is going to be great playing for such an awesome cause," Concord-Carlisle sophomore and first-year varsity player William Paterson said about the event. "I can’t wait to play in front of all the fans.”
Another important aspect of the event is that all of the soccer players will wear jerseys with their choice of name on the back, preferably someone that they knew or loved who was affected by cancer.
“The piece that makes it so special is that everyone wears a name on the back of their jersey, showing the love that the event was originally made from," Concord-Carlisle head coach Ray Pavlik said. "It is so personal in seeing things like ‘Poppi,’ ‘Mom,’ or ‘Grandpa."
Last year, the event raised $46,940 and the goal for this year is $50,000. Throughout the day, people are encouraged to come and support the cause. Everyone is invited to attend, whether you are from Concord-Carlisle or not.
"It started as a small event out of love and now it has grown into this huge community event that has held onto these roots,” Pavlik said.
“What I am looking forward to most about Kicks (For Cancer) is the excitement of the huge crowds of people that attend this event and the fact that we get to play on our home turf," Concord-Carlisle Captain, Jake Muller said.
Kicks for Cancer is exciting, competitive, fun and full of community spirit. However, the most important part is that Kicks for Cancer is an event of love.
Saturday's Full Schedule:
All proceeds go directly to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute
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