One of Richmond’s top athletics programs is seeking the community’s help to fund a trip to a Nike showcase that will provide its players exposure to college programs.
The Richmond High boys soccer team has launched a GoFundMe.com fundraiser in order to fund its trip to the 25th Annual Nike Southern California Showcase in Oceanside in late December.
The tournament features some of the state’s best high school teams and won’t just help provide exposure to players, but will help the team prepare for the sectional playoffs.
This soccer team has historically been a gem in Richmond athletics. It has won nearly 400 games in the last 20 years and emphasizes academics. While 20 years ago very few players went on to attend college, nine of the team’s 10 graduating seniors last year are now attending 4-year schools.
The very first two donations made to the GoFundMe fundraiser say a lot about the program, Head Coach Rene Siles said. They came from former players Sebastian Servin, a freshman at CSU Stanislaus and Danny Ayala, a sophomore at UCLA. The contributions gives insight to the unique and cherished experiences of team participants, Siles said.
“If I was sentimental, I’d say that seeing their names in the donors list was close to bringing some tears to my eyes,” Siles said.
Every cent raised goes to the students and contributions are tax-deductible, the coach added.
To contribute to the fundraiser, go here.
