Cougar women's soccer helps at Chuck for Charity event

The University of Minnesota,Morris women’s soccer team volunteered their time recently to raise funds for the Minnesota Thunder P.L.U.S. (Partnering for Leadership & Urban Success) program.

Minnesota Thunder P.L.U.S is a program that provides basic equipment—shin guards, jerseys, cleats—and covers other fees and costs such as field usage, referees and transportation for youth who could otherwise not have the means to participate in organized soccer activities. UMM graduate and former women’s soccer player Andrea’ Carroll-Franck 08’, St. Paul, is the coordinator for the Minnesota Thunder P.L.U.S program. Carroll-Franck met with the team and organized the event.

“Empowering urban and immigrant youth to become cross-cultural leaders through the unifying language of soccer” is the mission of Minnesota Thunder P.L.U.S.

The UMM women’s soccer team sold numbered tennis balls to fans at the September 13 MN Thunder vs. Charleston Battery USL men’ s soccer game at the National Sports Center in Blaine. The fundraiser, “Chuck for Charity,” invites the fans who purchase the tennis balls to toss them onto the field during halftime. Those whose tennis ball lands in a designated area on the field won a MN Thunder jersey and also an autographed soccer ball.

PHOTO: UMM Women’s soccer team gathers with MN Thunder P.L.U.S. coordinator (in green shirt, far right) Andrea’ Carroll-Franck after “Chuck for Charity” fundraising event.