Youth for Christ launches soccer festival fundraiser
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 10/08/2025 (206 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Youth for Christ, a community organization committed to serving young people, hosted its first-ever “Family Fun Soccer Festival” on Saturday — a new fundraising initiative.
The event, which was aimed at helping homeless youth and those battling addictions, drew more than 100 people, fundraising co-organizer Travia Sass told the Sun.
He explained the event featured friendly competition, family activities and community connection, adding it also featured three soccer categories: a 5-9 age group, a recreational division for older players and a competitive adult division.
Brandon United Football Co-operative player Manav Rawell sets to kick the ball towards the goal of the Youth For Christ team during the family fun soccer festival on Saturday afternoon at Christian Heritage School. (Abiola Odutola/The Brandon Sun)
“This is the first time we’ve tried this concept, and it’s been such a joy to see everyone come together,” Sass said. “We’ve been planning for months, and today we have people of all ages out here, playing, laughing, and supporting a cause that truly matters.”
The fundraiser is part of YFC’s ongoing efforts to finance programs at its downtown Brandon centre, where the organization provides assistance to homeless youth and supports those struggling with addictions, he said. “All proceeds will go directly into these life-changing programs.”
The festival wasn’t just about soccer.
Families enjoyed bouncy castles, human bubble balls, games, and food stalls. The community’s response was bolstered by the Brandon United Football Co-operative, which brought many of its players and athletes, and by the Westman Regional Soccer Association, which helped secure permissions from the Manitoba Soccer Association.
The outpouring of support from local businesses and organizations was a highlight of the day, the organization’s housing director Bukky Emmanuel told the Sun.
“We just want to say a big thank you to everyone who made this happen,” she said. “KFC, Safeway, Pepsi, Sunrise, and so many others stepped in to be a blessing. They made sure we had drinks, water, medals — everything we needed for a successful event.”
Sass said the only real challenge was getting people to sign up early, but by the time the festival kicked off, turnout exceeded expectations. “Next year, we’re hoping for 200 participants,” he added. “We want this to grow into a major community event that unites people through the game of soccer while supporting our youth.”
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