Senior Tyler Rathbun always thought it was unfair that some kids couldn’t afford to play soccer. When Tyler passed away Nov. 25, senior Clint Dunn decided to organize a soccer game in his honor that would also help out younger soccer players.
“It’s an event to celebrate his life,” Dunn said.
The game will be between Tyler’s club soccer team and the East boys varsity team. It will include several players that have played against Tyler in the past. Admission to the game is free and East cheerleaders will ask those in attendance for donations to the Tyler Rathbun Memorial Fund. The recipients of these donations will be determined by Tyler’s family at a later date.
“The idea [of the game] is to help raise money for players who maybe can’t afford to play club soccer,” soccer coach Jamie Kelly said, who has been helping Dunn organize the game. “Because it can kind of be expensive with traveling, going to tournaments, league fees and uniforms.”
Coach Kelly expects a turnout of 700 to 1000 people, including Tyler’s family and friends. The game will be approximately one and a half hours long and concessions will be available.
The game is taking place at 7 p.m. this Saturday at University of Missouri – Kansas City in the Stanley H. Durwood Stadium. Parking is also free.
“Tyler always thought it wasn’t fair,” Kelly said. “You know, why shouldn’t someone be able to [play soccer] because they can’t afford to? We thought it would be a really nice gesture to help out some kids who wouldn’t be able to play.”
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