The Gustavus Adolphus Women’s Soccer team hosted the third annual ‘Kicking For A Cause’ match on Saturday, Oct. 4. The women hosted St. Olaf College for a MIAC match benefitting Yuwa, a Minnesota non-profit organization.
“This is the third year we have done the fundraiser and I know the team will continue to do it in the future because it means a lot to us.”—Valerie Berlanger
Yuwa serves the purpose of reaching out to young females in rural India to help them gain the confidence they need to make a difference in the world.
“Yuwa tries to empower young females in India through the use of organized sport, namely soccer. The more the girls attend practice, the more gear they can get. Last summer, a Yuwa team actually took part in the USA Cup tournament in Blaine,” Senior Midfielder Heather Goff said.
One of the more interesting traits the women appreciate about Yuwa is their ability to continue making a difference as a peer-led organization.
“An interesting fact about Yuwa is that all teams are peer-led, so a group of girls that have been in the program form the new teams,” Senior Goalkeeper Caroline Olson said.
In order to raise money for the group, fans had the opportunity to make a ‘suggested entry donation’ upon entering the stands. Raffle tickets were also available for purchase and would be called off at the end of regulation for the prize of a signed practice jersey.
In addition to the donations and raffle, the women and fans were able to gather at Lone Star BBQ where proceeds from a silent auction, as well as food and beverage specials, would go to Yuwa.
“Yuwa tries to empower young females in India through the use of organized sport, namely soccer. The more the girls attend practice, the more gear they can get. Last summer, a Yuwa team actually took part in the USA Cup tournament in Blaine.”—Heather Goff
As in the past, the fundraiser raised a good amount of money for Yuwa, and brought support even outside of family and friends of the players.
“We had a lot of generous donations from local businesses in town like, Sticks and Stones, Reflections Hair Salon and Patrick’s on third. We held a silent auction at Lone Star BBQ & Grill and a portion of the bill went to Yuwa as well,” Olson said.
The women appreciate the opportunity as student athletes at Gustavus to support the game they love while also becoming involved in improving girls’ experiences with soccer.
“It’s always enjoyable to be able to use something we love, soccer, to give back to the community. It’s especially great because one of our soccer alumni is connected to the founder of Yuwa, and so it’s a good way to remain true to our Gustavus and Minnesota roots, while having an impact on the world,” Goff said.
According to the players, the team will continue to carry out the fundraiser again in the future due to its success and the bonds they have formed with the young female soccer players in India.
“Our team really enjoys doing this fundraiser because we know it means a lot to the girls in India. Last year our team received bracelets from one of the teams in India and that really made all of us smile and feel great about what we did. This is the third year we have done the fundraiser and I know the team will continue to do it in the future because it means a lot to us,” Senior Midfielder Valerie Belanger said.’
-Haley Bell