On Tuesday, October 21, Sporting KC and The Victory Project made a special trip to the Frontier School of Excellence to visit their soccer team. The FSE soccer team has been a passion project for the school, and after five years of work, the team kicked off their inaugural season in September of this year.
“It means a lot to us,” said Carlos Nevarez, FSE Coach. “We've been looking everywhere for support, here in the building, in our community. We received a lot of help from our building, but it means the world to receive this help from the community as well,” he added.
One of The Victory Project’s pillars is Soccer for All. When TVP heard about the school’s efforts to launch their soccer team, they knew it was a cause they wanted to back. Sporting KC and The Victory Project showed up to the school with new cleats and soccer supplies for every athlete on the team.
The students were called to the gym at the end of the day. To their surprise, Sporting KC and TVP had set up gift bags for them with necessary soccer supplies. There to deliver the supplies were Sporting KC players Jacob Bartlett and Ian James.
Chioma Atanmo, Senior Director of Community Impact and The Victory Project, spoke to the students when they arrived.
“We heard that it was taking your school five years to get this soccer program together,” Atanmo said. “When we heard of that, we wanted to do everything we could to make sure that you guys had all of the equipment that you needed. I know you are just starting your soccer season but just make sure that you guys feel as equipped to continue to keep the enthusiasm alive with soccer,” she encouraged.
The excitement was palpable as the students each received their bags with new cleats and supplies. The students were extremely grateful for the help and even made sure to shake everyone’s hand in gratitude. The time spent together was meaningful for everyone involved, as soccer is a uniting force for all.
“Yeah, for me, it means everything,” Bartlett shared. “Every kid deserves a chance to play, and for them, Sporting and everyone in the community, being able to do this. It just makes... makes the world for them as well as us. Ian and I getting the opportunity to do this means so much to us, giving back to the community that gave me everything. It’s the least I can do, and trying to bring a smile to everyone’s face makes me happy,” he concluded.
This surprise came right on time as earlier in the season; students had asked their coaches for help getting cleats. With the team being so new for FSE, school administrators and coaching staff reached out for support from the community, and TVP answered the call.
“It takes a village,” shared Tera Wiggins, FSE Student Support Coordinator. “I absolutely love what I get to do every day. My goal is to make sure students understand their circumstances don't determine their future!” she noted.
Not only did the team get new supplies, but FSE was also recently named a recipient of The Victory Project’s Soccer Assist Grant. The school received $2,500 to support their team.
The rest of the afternoon was spent talking soccer. Ian and Jacob answered many questions but also got in on hot topic debates as well. What was up for debate? Messi vs. Ronaldo, obviously. What resonated with students the most was seeing how close in age both Ian and Jacob were to them. Hearing their advice and experiences created a bond on both sides.
“Just work hard, just keep going,” James shared. “Keep doing what you’re doing. Stay on the field, stay busy, stay active. That's all I have to say. Thank you, guys, for having us”.
After an inspiring afternoon, students were still buzzing with excitement and reached out to their support staff to express what this visit meant to them. Messages like: "Mrs. Wiggins, having a new pair of cleats and meeting Ian and Jacob gives me even more motivation to do well in class and on the field." and “Mrs. Wiggins, today I was worried my cleats wouldn't hold up, and then Sporting KC surprised us.”
These messages were the bow on top of a beautiful afternoon. “It was really cool,” Bartlett continued. “I remember that feeling of getting brand new cleats, a brand-new ball, a brand-new jersey. It brings a smile to your face every time. So, getting the opportunity to do that for them was very cool”.
Since the visit, the FSE soccer team has advanced to the GPAC Conference Tournament and will face the Guadalupe Centers on October 27 and 29.