Middle School Soccer Goes Online for Financial Assistance

In an effort to raise funds for its soccer program, students from Red Bank Middle School have hit the internet to ask for cash. Though the indiegogo funding platform, a school educator and middle school soccer enthusiasts have posted a video asking for financial support.

The goal is to raise $1,500 to help fund a week-long soccer camp with a qualified soccer trainer and also to provide each student participant with their own soccer ball to practice with. So far, the campaign has raised $475.

According to a statement on the program, Red Bank cut funding for school athletics in its current year to bare-bones levels. This has created a problem when the soccer teams attempts to purchase supplies or travel for games.

“When we venture outside of our town, such as when we participate in sports, we are at a distinct disadvantage,” the statement reads. “We know that, from talking to the other players, they play on travel teams in various leagues, work out with team trainers and have extensive practices with their coaches. We don’t have those luxuries.”

Pay to play isn’t much of an option either. A significant portion of the district’s children come from families living with economic disadvantages. More than 70 percent of all students qualify for free or reduced lunches. Free and reduced lunches are based on a family’s income.

According to Enrico Ciabattoni, the parent volunteer who posted the ad on indiegogo, the soccer budget only allows enough time for coaches to cover games and maybe 1 or 2 hours of practice a week.

Donations can be made for the next seven days and can be kept anonymous if that is the goal. To help, visit the Red Bank Middle School soccer page at indiegogo by clicking the link.