Western Mass Pioneers News Release -- www.wmpioneers.com
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
LUDLOW, Mass. – The Western Mass Pioneers are always looking for ways to support local charities and support our fans that attend the games year in and year out. Local Longmeadow resident Kelsey Yam is a junior at Skidmore College who will be interning in Uganda with the Soccer Without Borders Program. Here is Kelsey’s story:
My name is Kelsey Yam; I am a junior at Skidmore College and have been involved with Longmeadow soccer for the majority of my life. I am going to be working as a summer intern for Soccer Without Borders (SWB) in Uganda, Africa. SWB is a non-profit organization whose mission is to use soccer as a vehicle for positive change. Presently, SWB hosts core programs in Guatemala, Nicaragua and Uganda, coaching soccer and providing educational lessons to girls and boys of all ages. Our goal at SWB is to provide these kids with the resources they do not typically have to learn and to realize their full potential. Following is the link to there website for more information: www.soccerwithoutborders.org
My involvement with SWB began at Skidmore. The soccer program hosts a camp for local kids each spring and all proceeds are donated directly to SWB Uganda. I am thrilled to be able to see first-hand how our contributions help. I chose to further my experience with SWB for a chance to continue working with kids, helping them in any way possible, seeing them smile and learning from all that they have to offer.
These kids are in desperate need of proper equipment and supplies. I hope to support SWB with your help and donations and anything at all will make a huge difference! Monetary donations are also welcome and can go a long way. I would really appreciate and know that the kids would be so grateful of anything you are willing to give. If you do choose to donate, this is all that you have to do!
Soccer Equipment for boys and girls ages 5-20:
High Need: Soccer balls (usable) and athletic footwear, especially cleats
Coaching Equipment: Cones, pinnies, pumps/needles, goals and referee shirts
Additional Items: Uniform sets, socks
- Drop off equipment: 52 Inverness Lane, Longmeadow, MA 01106
Monetary Donations:
$25 can send a child to school for an entire year
$10 can buy school supplies
- Checks made out to Soccer Without Borders are entirely tax-deductible
- Please include my name in the memo
- Either drop off at the above address or mail to: 25 Thompson Place, First Floor, Boston, MA 02210
Kelsey can be reached at kyam@skidmore.edu for more information.
Ms. Yam will be at the first three home games for the Western Mass Pioneers collecting donations to support her efforts prior to starting her internship.
“We are glad to support local student athlete’s who are taking an initiative to better their personal and professional lives through a worthy program,” commented Pioneers Chairman Steve Scott.
The Western Mass Pioneers season opener is Friday, May 11th, 7:30pm at Lusitano Stadium versus the Seacoast United Phantoms (aka New Hampshire Phantoms) sponsored by Big Y World Class Markets.
In addition to the home opener, the Pioneers will be hosting a Fan Appreciation and Media Day against the Milford Lusitano Club on Sunday, May 6th, 3:00pm at Lusitano Stadium. There will be free admission as a Thank You to all the supporters and fans of the club. Also, this gives the Media an opportunity to meet with the players and receive one-on-one time.