Press Release | Jun 26, 2019 | 2 min read

Austin Hatcher Foundation’s Kickin’ It For Kids With Cancer Initiative Returns With Chattanooga Foot

By Austin Hatcher Foundation
By The Austin Hatcher Foundation
Austin Hatcher Foundation’s Kickin’ It For Kids With Cancer Initiative Returns With Chattanooga Foot
  • Soccer Game Set for June 29 at 7:30 p.m. at Finley Stadium  
  • Austin Hatcher Foundation Spotlighted as CFC’s ‘Cause of the Night’  
  • Saturday Game First of Three in 2019

CHATTANOOGA, TENN.  (June 26, 2019) – Expanding on a fundraising concept that has proven highly successful over the last decade, the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer is partnering with the Chattanooga Football Club (CFC) for a “Kickin’ It For Kids With Cancer” soccer game this Saturday.

Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. at Finley Stadium as CFC hosts Asheville City FC in the National Premier Soccer League regular season finale. The Austin Hatcher Foundation will have T-shirts and concessions on sale, to raise funds – and awareness of the foundation’s mission to erase the effects of pediatric cancer on young patients and their family members.

The game is part of the CFC’s “Cause of the Night” project that honors a different Chattanooga organization at every home game this season.

“We want to represent the community but also have an influence in the community,” said Jonathan Dreiling, director of the Chattanooga Football League. “Cause of the Night is a celebration and acknowledgment of some of our city’s organizations. It adds meaning to the event. It’s not just a soccer game.”

This will be the first of two Kickin’ It games this year resulting from the Austin Hatcher Foundation’s new relationships with local soccer teams. The second game is on Aug. 17 in partnership with the Chattanooga Red Wolves. Presenting sponsors for Friday are Winn Smiles and Steam Logistics of Chattanooga.

The foundation is also renewing its eight-year partnership with the accomplished Lee University women’s soccer program in Cleveland, Tennessee, with a Kickin’ It game scheduled for October 11 against Spring Hill College. Lee’s women’s program won four national NAIA championships before moving to the NCAA Division II level where the Lady Flames have reached the national tournament four consecutive years, including a Final Four appearance last season.

In addition to the dual benefits of raising funds and awareness for the foundation, the Kickin’ It games also serve as a fun, diversionary activity for children and families who the foundation serves in their battle against cancer. Those children will be invited to walk onto the field with players for a special recognition before the game; they will also serve as ball retrievers throughout the game. A special halftime game will be held for families to compete in, as well.

“It’s an honor to see both our sponsors and the local soccer community rally around the foundation and join our efforts to “kick it” to childhood cancer,” said Austin Hatcher Foundation President Amy Jo Osborn. “This night embodies what we try to achieve year-round with various community activities. We want to raise funds and awareness, but we love to combine that with something that provides the families we serve with a much-needed respite.”

“The journey during a cancer fight and recovery can be arduous. For people going through it, good times are especially cherished. Saturday night at Finley Stadium will be all about good times.”