Jordan Rasmussen
Published: April 9, 2009

Dubuque - Secretary of the Loras physical education and sports studies club, Kristine Mason, is in love with soccer. She has been organizing and fundraising to put on a three on three soccer tournament at Loras called Grassroots Soccer.

Mason said that,” Grassroots soccer is an organization in South Africa where they combine soccer with the education of AIDS, because it is such a huge epidemic there.”

Teams could sign up to play in the event for 30 dollars and could purchase t-shirts for five dollars more, with all of the money going directly to the KICKAIDS foundation in Africa.

The goal of the days was to bring people from all over the Dubuque community to play.

“Soccer is such a huge part of the whole Dubuque community, especially at Loras College; just everyone in the community is really soccer excited,” said Mason.

The tournament took place on Sunday, April fifth with snow falling and strong winds, but that didn’t hamper the spirits of those who participated.

“We won our first game, it was fun, it’s really cold out, but, you know it was fun, that’s what it’s all about today, it’s not really about who’s winning or losing, but just getting out for a good cause and playing soccer,” said Luke Schweitzer, a Loras athlete.

The day ended with over 21 teams and 104 participants coming together to show off their soccer skills for one great cause. All together the participants raised $1, 550 from donations, t-shirts sales and registration fees. The club still plans on continuing to raise money.

“We are always going to except donations and continue to make this grassroots soccer event an annual one.” Mason said

To learn more about grassroots soccer:
www.grassrootssoccer.org

FIFA produced video on the program: Grassroots Soccer Video

Jordan Rasmussen can be reached at Jordan.rasmussen@loras.edu