Recently Glenview Soccer Club’s Kate participated an Illinois Youth Soccer Association's "Play Hard, Play Fair, " an innovative fundraising campaign to benefit Soccer for Success, a US Soccer Foundation program that provides free after-school soccer instruction and healthy lifestyle education to children in low-income urban areas.

“I know I’m really lucky to be able to participate in all kinds of sports and activities, so I was excited about having an opportunity to be able to help other kids,” said Kate, who plays on the U12 Select girls team.

The Illinois Youth Soccer Association challenged Illinois youth soccer players to raise money for the program and compete for a once-in-a-lifetime reward: lunch and playing time with USA Women’s National Soccer Team star Abby Wambach. With the help of her parents and friends, Kate raised $2,005, the seventh highest total amount. 

On October 13, Kate joined other top Illinois fundraisers for a fun day of soccer. First, they helped out on the field as Abby led practices for kids in the Soccer for Success program. The ten top fundraisers, including Kate, sat at Abby's table for lunch. They enjoyed getting advice Abby, taking photographs and getting autographs. Kate even had a chance to see and hold Abby's 2012 Olympics gold medal. After lunch the top 64 fundraisers enjoyed playing a game of soccer with Abby.  It was a dream come true for Kate, who likes watching Abby play soccer on TV.

“Abby was amazing. I saw her meeting and working with kids from 8:30 am to 3 pm. She was warm, fun, energetic and inspiring,” said Kate.

Here are some of the words of wisdom Abby shared with Kate and the other top fundraisers:

• “People will tell you that you can’t do things, but if it’s what you want, if it’s what you know, go for it. The sky’s the limit.”
• “You’re the only person that needs to believe in you.”
• “I’m a big believer in sacrifice. Nothing good comes without a little sacrifice.”

At lunch, one of the participants asked Abby how she feels when she misses a header or makes mistakes.  "If you're not making mistakes, you're probably not trying,"   Abby said. She considers two things are important for success:

1. Listen to your parents and your teachers. Their voices are important.
2. Take care of your health. Eat right and exercise. If you value those things, the rest of your life will be better.

Kate, Glenview Soccer Club congratulates you on your success with soccer off the field as well as on.

For more information on the Soccer for Success program, visit their website.