Sporting KC kicked off the 2026 season in February, and the action was not only on the pitch but also in the community. Sporting supported Aubrey Bend Middle School in their canned food drive benefiting the Blue Valley Food Pantry.
This isn’t the first time Sporting and Aubrey Bend Middle School have partnered together, last year Sporting KC midfielder Zorhan Bassong surprised students during National Library week as a Mystery Reader. So naturally, when ABMS reached out this year to support them on their food drive Sporting was eager to work with these students again.
On February 20th as the school came together for a lively assembly where Blue, the beloved Sporting KC mascot, pumped up the crowd as representatives from the school and the blue valley pantry shared the importance of teamwork and giving back especially during Feeding Families February. At the assembly the student council shared that the top three students who collected the most food would receive a special prize from Sporting.
The fun didn't stop there on February 24th Freddy’s and the school hosted a “Freddy's Fundraiser Night” where patrons of the restaurant could round up their orders with proceeds directly benefiting the pantry. Students, their families and local Freddy’s patron showed up bring during the fundraising night.
The energy was contagious culminating in a celebration assembly on March 5th where the student council revealed the grand total of cans collected and showcased their soccer skills in friendly drills. In just two weeks students came together with enthusiasm collecting over 12,000 canned goods for the Blue Valley Food Pantry!
The assembly recognized the top three students who collected the most food and Sporting KC treated them to a pregame experience at the March 7th game along with an exclusive 2026 18th and Vine kit and some exclusive Sporting KC swag. As a bonus, Sporting KC also extended the fun to the entire school, providing students and families access to tickets at a discounted rate.
This partnership between sporting KC and Aubrey Bend Middle School is all about the community spirit. Bringing joy teamwork and a shared commitment to helping those in need. Truly showing that the heart of the game extends far beyond the field, it beats and lives through fostering connections and making a real difference in our community.
