Laney soccer players on Monday collected soccer gear to benefit Cape Fear Soccer Club’s community outreach program.
Members of the varsity and JV squads met at a local restaurant to collect shin guards, soccer balls and uniforms for the community outreach program. Zaxby’s, where the fundraiser took place, chipped in some restaurant proceeds for Laney’s soccer club.
Kim Crabbe, the first black woman to play for the U.S. Soccer Team and hall-of-fame player, serves as community outreach director for Cape Fear Soccer Club.
“We’ve partnered up with [Laney] to help some of our underserved youth in the community. They’ve done a great job in collecting equipment, which will be distributed to many of our participants within the program,” Crabbe said.
Crabbe joined Cape Fear Soccer Club last year and has since built a lasting relationship with a number of schools in Wilmington. The outreach program currently serves more than 400 kids with the goal of providing families the best youth soccer experience possible, Crabbe said.
“Our outreach is set up to help kids who may not be able to afford to play in some of these types of programs that are offered in the area. I’ve had a really great experience thus far and hope to continue partnerships with teams like Laney to give opportunities to others throughout the community,” Crabbe said.
Laney head coach Jaime Noble was pleased with his kids’ efforts, which he said was a learning experience for the players.
“Soccer has given me and these boys a lot, so it was nice to give something back. It was a chance for my guys to learn about being good citizens in our community, and that’s something they will take with them in the future,” Noble said.
To donate new or used soccer gear, email Crabbe at [email protected], or stop by the Cape Fear Soccer Club’s home office at 314 Green Meadows Drive, Suite 100, in Wilmington.
