FRANKLIN, TN – Tennessee Soccer Club hosted its annual Soccer-A-Thon on Saturday at Robert Ring Arena in Franklin, TN to raise money for the Special Olympics Tennessee (SOTN). The event was a resounding success, raising over $34,000 to help the SOTN re-launch its soccer program, after taking a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants filled the arena, with 21 athletes from Special Olympics as well as nearly 60 TSC players and coaches playing and helping run the clinic.

“Our annual Soccer-A-Thon was a huge success Saturday,” said TSC Tournament Director & Events Coordinator Jimmy Drain. “It was so much fun watching [the Special Olympic athletes] enjoy the game we all love. Their smiles and laughter were infectious throughout the indoor arena.” 

This year’s event more than tripled the amount of money raised from last year’s Juggle-A-Thon. Leading the cause, were the 2009 Boys who raised over $6,700! The 2011 Boys followed closely with over $5,900 raised, as well as the 2012 Girls who were able to generate over $3,500 of donations. Special praise goes to these TSC players who went above and beyond and raised over $2,000 each individually (Kate & Lena Johnson - $2,910, Marshall Smith - $2,500, Finleigh Ferrell - $2,195, Grayson Bartley - $2,005).

“Our growing and continual relationship with Special Olympics Tennessee is something we cherish at TSC and I am already looking forward to our next fundraiser with them,” Drain added.

TSC began working with Special Olympics Tennessee in 2016 and has helped raise nearly $175,000 toward the cause. 

“The partnership with Tennessee Soccer Club has been awesome for Special Olympics Tennessee,” Adam Germek, President and CEO of Special Olympics Tennessee said. “Our athletes love playing alongside the TSC athletes, a perfect example of our mission of inclusion. The financial support from the players, coaches, and staff makes a big impact in the growth of our programs. This year’s Soccer-A-Thon was an integral part of helping get our athletes back on the field and back to activities. Thank you to everyone involved with the Soccer-A-Thon! We are so thankful for your support!”

Tennessee Soccer Club established the TSC Cares program in 2017 as the philanthropic mission of TSC to aid in Building the Community in the Greater Nashville and Middle Tennessee area. TSC Cares continues to partner with local organizations to positively impact our community. To learn more about TSC Cares, or to join us in caring for the community, please visit our TSC Cares page here.