On Sept. 19, hundreds gathered in North’s bleachers to witness WW-P’s biggest and most competitive rivalry. The fans created an electric atmosphere, proudly screaming for their teams. Despite the pride at stake, both teams were united for a bigger cause.
The Red Card Cancer soccer game was the first charity soccer game in the WW-P district. The game aimed to raise funds for Red Card Cancer, an organization dedicated to cancer research. With a large crowd, the games were not only competitive but committed to a good cause. The event raised $3104.75 according to Coach Matthew Coburn, the boy’s head soccer coach.
Red Card Cancer is an organization established in 2009 by Paul Payne, a college soccer coach. The organization gives school soccer teams a chance to raise money to fund cancer research. All proceeds made from the game go to the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins University and the American Cancer Society.
“The sad truth is that everyone knows someone that is affected by cancer,” said Coach Coburn. “It’s something we can gather around. We don’t have to be North or South, we can just be the WWP community,” he added.
“We’re bringing people to watch our games and there’s also a good outcome from it, whether we lose or win,” said Keziah Thankachan (‘25), co-captain of the girls soccer team.
With an important cause to be fighting for, preparation for the game started early. Students may have seen a very decorative trophy in the commons or the soccer team putting up “I red card cancer for” cards. Planning for this game began back in May, leading to a lot of anticipation.
“Compared to a lot of our other games it’s definitely a lot more vibrant. There were more people that showed up and they brought the energy to the game,” said Thankachan.
The girls’ game, kicking off first at five PM, resulted in a win over the district rivals, with a 5-1 score. The game, however, was not an easy win.
“We were down at the end of halftime, and that made us all a little bit frustrated,” said Coach Elisa Mastroianni, head coach of the girls team. After the half, the team rallied and came back to score five goals by five different players including Anna Chen (‘26), Riley Duguay (‘28), Kate Grecsek (‘28), Anna Hefele (‘28), and Keziah Thankachan (‘25).
“I always tell my girls I don’t care about the score because we give them goals that we want them to work on, but it was nice to see them play to their potential,” said Ms. Mastroianni.
The game was not only another win to add to the team’s phenomenal season, the game was also highly memorable. “It was a rivalry our girls program hasn’t won for three years and it was my senior year as well,” said Thankachan.
The boys game was next, kicking off at 7 p.m. The boys fought hard, ultimately losing by one goal. “We had a good mindset going into the game,” said boys co-captain Animesh Chauhan (‘25). “I think we’re struggling in not doing the best in the first two minutes of the game”.
North’s first and only goal was a clear turning point to the game. “We just need to start with the same mentality we finish. For the kids that are playing next year, focus on being strong and physical on the ball,” said Chauhan. The boys team will get another opportunity next year to defeat their district rivals, North.
Even with all athletes showing out, parents and other volunteers also made a huge impact. The United cheerleaders also joined in to do 50/50 raffles. “We were able to get $100 Dick’s Sporting Goods gift cards that we could raffle off, $60 to PJ’s Pancake House, and got the Brace Place to donate a sizable amount,” said Coach Matthew Coburn.
With all the work being done, the WWP teams were able to raise $3104.74, the fourth most out of all teams participating in the fundraiser.
The games set the tone for a successful ongoing season, as both teams continue to grow and play. These games are only the start to a future of competition and philanthropy in WW-P soccer.
