The Story
Building Tomorrow Brings Grassroot Soccer to the College
The College chapter of Building Tomorrow, a nonprofit organization that supports the schooling of vulnerable children in Uganda, will host a Grassroot Soccer tournament this Sunday, 1-5 p.m. on Barksdale Field. Grassroot Soccer is a charitable organization that uses the power of soccer to educate African youth (primarily in Zimbabwe, South Africa and Zambia) about HIV and AIDS. The co-ed, three-on-three barefoot soccer tournament will divide all proceeds equally between the two organizations.
Jonathan Welle (’08), a member of the executive board of Building Tomorrow, first heard of Grassroot Soccer from a friend at Dartmoth (a Dartmouth alum founded the organization) who encouraged Welle to host a tournament at the College. Welle said, “I thought it was a great idea to use the infrastructure of Building Tomorrow to raise money for Grassroot Soccer and Building Tomorrow.”
Welle said that there are around 20 Grassroot Soccer tournaments taking place this fall at campuses around the country, including Virginia Tech and UVA. Funds raised at the tournament support the Grassroot Soccer Program, which combines soccer and HIV prevention education to reduce HIV transmission among youth. “[The kids] play a soccer game that teaches [them] a life lesson,” said Welle.
At Sunday’s tournament, teams can have up to five players, but only three will play at a time. The suggested donation for each team member is $10, but teams are encouraged to fundraise for extra money. The team who raises the most will win a prize.
The first hour and a half will consist of group play, and the best team from each group goes into the single-elimination final round. The winner receives a tab at the Leafe, but all teams can win prizes, including gift certificates to the Blue Talon, Sal’s, Baskin Robbins, The Trellis, Food Lion and more. Each registered team member also gets a free raffle ticket, and non team-members can buy tickets for $1.
Games will be played barefoot, as many casual pick-up soccer games are played in Africa. But no need to worry about fragile toes: Welle said that special, softer barefoot soccer balls will be used.
Even if you’ve never kicked a soccer ball, barefoot or otherwise, gather your friends and form a team. Ashlei Cooke (’09), also a member of the Building Tomorrow executive board, said, “The tournament is not about winning, but what you’re playing for.”
Kristen Pantazes (’10) agreed that “it’s all about having fun and raising money for a really great cause.” Two really great causes, in fact.
To register for the tournament, email btdkam@wm.edu by Saturday at noon.