Aug. 24, 2008
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Vanderbilt’s regular season home opener on Sunday, Aug. 24 against Belmont at 2 p.m. will be a special event as it is the Commodores first ever “Soccer for a Cure” match, benefitting the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
The match is also the first-ever regular season matchup between the two schools, located less than a mile apart.
The proceeds of this event will go to the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology department for comfort of the patients and for research for a cure. At halftime, patients and former patients of this program will be recognized, and fans are asked to come not only to support the local soccer teams, but also this worthy cause through monetary donations.
Anyone interested in making donations can make checks payable to: Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, Department of Hematology/Oncology. All contributions will be tax deductible. Donors will be treated to a catered lunch, provided by Jim `N Nick’s Bar-B-Q, prior to the game at noon.
There will also be inflatables, visits from Mr. C and Champ, The Children’s Hospital mascot along with various activities to entertain children prior to the game.
“Soccer For A Cure” (SFAC) was started by Charlie Corbitt, a cancer survivor and warrior advocate for others affected with cancer. Charlie has been involved in college and high school soccer since 1993 and is currently the manager of the “adidas College Soccer Scoreboard” and the “National High School Soccer Scoreboard.”
His hope is that the soccer nation will be pro-active over the next several years in the fight against cancer and that the sport of “Soccer” will one day be known as the sport that helps families in their battle with this disease.
“Soccer For A Cure” is a non-profit organization that is structured to serve as a place where all levels of the Soccer nation (youth, club, high school, college, adult and professional) can “Stand Together as a Team” to help families fight the battle against all types of cancer.
It was officially launched at the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) convention in Baltimore, Jan. 17 – 19, 2008.
“I believe this is a very special event,” said Vanderbilt head coach Ronnie Coveleskie. “I think many people have been or know someone who has been affected by this dreaded disease, and this is an important cause that we are happy to support in some small way. I am hopeful that fans and supporters will make a donation to this event and join us as we take on the Belmont Bruins in our season opener.”
The game will kickoff Vanderbilt’s regular season at 2 p.m. Belmont will open its season against Murray State on Wednesday and will play its home games at the VU Soccer Complex as construction on a new field takes place this fall.
Tickets for the 2008 season are just $5 for adults and $3 for youth 17 and under. Any children 12 and under wearing their youth soccer league jersey get in for just $1. Vanderbilt Students with a valid student ID get in FREE. Donors (minimum contribution of $20) to this cause will receive a free ticket to the game.