For the fifth year, Sounders FC is partnering with MLS WORKS in an effort to Kick Childhood Cancer. The league-wide childhood cancer awareness campaign combines special game presentation elements with individual club programs. The Rave Green continue to be dedicated to creating as many inspiring and empowering experiences as possible for youth with cancer and their families this month, culminating in the Kick Childhood Cancer-themed match on Saturday, September 29 vs. the Colorado Rapids (1:00 p.m. PT / JOEtv, YouTube TV, Univision-Seattle, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM).
All of MLS will “go gold” during the monthlong campaign, including: utilizing commemorative adidas Nativo 2018 Official Match Balls, gold Kick Childhood Cancer captain’s armbands, gold ribbon patches on all game jerseys, as well as players and PRO referees wearing Kick Childhood Cancer t-shirts during pre-match activities.
On September 4, to kick off the month, Sounders FC is once again teaming up with Bloodworks Northwest and Slalom to present a second year of "Out for Blood with Zach Scott," a special blood drive at The NINETY from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. PT. Every fan that gives blood at the event receives an exclusive t-shirt, presented by Slalom and autographed by Scott, legendary club defender, Slalom employee and staunch supporter of childhood cancer research efforts. The club’s goal is to have 55 registered whole blood donors and six apheresis donors, which could potentially help save the lives of over 180 patients. Apheresis allows donors to give either platelets or plasma instead of the normal whole blood donation. Giving these individual components is extremely helpful to the community’s supply.
Spaces for fans to donate as part of "Out for Blood with Zach Scott" are limited and an appointment is required, so those interested should register at the following link: http://sndrs.com/bn6wz.
Fans who want to donate blood but are not available on September 4 are still encouraged to visit any of the Washington Bloodworks NW Donor Centers. During the month of September, if a donor at one of these centers mentions “Sounders,” they will be eligible to win one of the following prizes: two pitch-side Slalom Experience seats to Sounders FC’s match against Houston on October 8, a Sounders team-autographed jersey, a Sounders team-autographed scarf, or one of 10 of the unique “Out for Blood” t-shirts autographed by Scott, which are not available for purchase.
Throughout the month of September, Sounders FC is encouraging fans to nominate youth who are battling cancer to receive a video message from a Sounders FC first team or S2 player. Up to 200 customized messages will be filmed to provide words of encouragement to the brave young people fighting cancer. Nominations are currently open via an online form found at www.SoundersFC.com/KCCVideosForKids.
Leading up to the September 29 match, fans can also score another exclusive piece of Sounders gear while supporting children who are fighting cancer. Each ticket to the match purchased via www.SoundersFC.com/2018KCCOffer comes with a limited-edition Love Your Melon Sounders FC beanie. The beanie is knit from 100% cotton yarn in natural and green colors and features a Sounders FC patch alongside the Love Your Melon logo.
Love Your Melon fights against pediatric cancer by donating 50% of its net profit to support its nonprofit partners working in the field of pediatric oncology to provide immediate support for families of children battling cancer. Since 2012, Love Your Melon has given nearly $5 million and 150,000 beanies.
For those who wish to obtain one of the exclusive beanies but already hold a ticket to the September 29 match, the option exists to buy a ticket through the offer and receive the hat, while the purchased seat is then donated and used by Sounders FC to host local families who are battling cancer.
On Tuesday, September 11, over 100 pediatric cancer patients and their family members are scheduled to visit Sounders FC training to watch the team, followed by meeting their favorite players, getting autographs and even kicking around on the field. For media interested in covering the session, more information will be released in the days leading up to this event.
On Wednesday, September 26, the Honorary Team Captain for the September 29 match visits training, where they will be presented with a personalized jersey and welcomed to the club by Head Coach Brian Schmetzer and Sounders FC players. On September 29, the Honorary Team Captain has their own locker set up in the team locker room and gets to spend time with the team prior to walking out onto the field with the Sounders FC captain.
Sounders FC has been partnering with Austen Everett Foundation to host an Honorary Team Captain throughout the 2018 season; with the enhanced experience being dedicated to the September 29th Honorary Team Captain at the Kick Childhood Cancer match.
Additional matchday elements honoring pediatric cancer patients and their families are to be announced later this month.
