Friday, April 11, 2014

Sport Has the Power to Change the World

It's easy to get caught up in the day to day routine of school, work, practice, games, and juggling the many other family activities you have. However, have you ever stopped to think about the impact we can have as a Club of 8,000 plus families? School networks can span hundreds of people, but we have THOUSANDS. We can work together as teams on the weekend to win games, but if we work together as a team of 8,000 players, we could truly impact our community.

Nelson Mandela once said, "sport has the power to change the world." I believe this, and I believe that CASL can play a small part toward this global vision by using soccer as a platform for awareness and change.  
7Up: one of the CASL teams who participated in the 4v4
Those of you that participated in the CASL Play 4Kay 4v4 in January have already had a hand in our collective efforts of improving the quality of life of those in our community. Together, we raised more than $14,000 for women's cancer research and related programs through the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. Others of you have volunteered your time in our Community Outreach programs, like HEART, where you have provided a positive experience for youth in our community. If you've purchased a pair of MiracleFeet socks, then you are helping a child in another country correct club foot and have the opportunity to play soccer. Many of you showcase your generosity through donations during registration. You took advantage of the option to donate money to CASL's Goal Assist Fund, which helps open up the CASL experience to youth in our community who may not otherwise have it. There are countless other ways you all have showcased your willingness to give back to the community that has supported us for so many years. And, we know that you all do many things on your own time or as a team - so please share those experiences and stories with us! We are excited to provide opportunities throughout this year (and the many years to come) for you or your team to be involved in efforts to improve the quality of life in Wake County.

CASL Food Drive: April 10-16

Most recently, we launched the CASL Food Drive to benefit the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina. We kicked off the drive on Thursday night out at WRAL Soccer Center, and many parents, staff, and players came by to drop off food and other needed items (diapers, paper towels, toilet paper). We took 8 large boxes from the Food Bank for our drive, and nearly 3 of those are already filled only after one day of collecting. Those of you that came by yesterday received a 40th Anniversary commemorative t-shirt in exchange for you donation. We are planning to set up another major collection night out at WRAL so others of you have an opportunity to get a t-shirt - we'll keep you posted on those details. However, we are collecting food all week(end) at WRAL Soccer Center (bins are located at OSNC Building next to lost and found) and at the Woman's Club Drive CASL Office, so come by during our business hours (M, T, Th, Fr 12-5pm) and drop off food in exchange for a shirt! 
A few CASL players get their t-shirts after donating food
one full food drive bin!

 CASL Juggle-A-Thon: April 25 @6pm

While the food drive will have a local impact in our community, the Online Soccer Academy Juggle-A-Thon is meant to have a global impact. CASL participated in this juggle-a-thon many years ago, and we are bringing it back. Pledges that support the juggle-a-thon will 100% be supporting Nothing But Nets, a non-profit organization that provides malaria nets to children and adults in Africa. We'll be setting up a juggle-a-thon environment at Soccer Center with more details to come. In the mean time, you can go ahead and register as a juggler and start collecting your pledges!

CASL HEART: Spring Dates to Volunteer

Throughout this spring, CASL continues to host the HEART program for youth with intellectual disabilities. The program has grown to more than 60 registered youth participants. Practices take place on Saturday mornings at Davis Drive Park in Cary, and volunteers (individuals, teams) are welcome to be buddy players for each of the HEART participants. 

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