Philadelphia Union host inaugural Munchkin Fest capped off with a donation to Kensington Soccer Club

By Chuck Booth | Jun 13, 2017

Aug 12, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Union goalkeeper John McCarthy (55) waves to fans prior to the U.S. Open Cup Semifinal match against the Chicago Fire at PPL Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

The Philadelphia Union are a team that is committed to giving back to the community.

It is shown in the work of the Philadelphia Union Foundation but also in the team’s commitment to youth soccer in the Greater Philadelphia Area. Last Sunday, in conjunction with Dunkin’ Donuts, the team held the first “Munchkin Fest” Youth Soccer Celebration.

The festival, which had over 800 attendees included family-friendly activities as well as player appearances from Jay Simpson, Chris Pontius, and John McCarthy. The Event was headlined with a $5,000 dollar equipment donation to Kensington Soccer Club. The donation was jointly done by Dunkin’ Donuts and Good Sports Inc.

Kensington Soccer Club is an organization dedicated to uniting and advancing the Kensington community through soccer and youth development regardless of the ability to pay.

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Travel soccer is an expensive sport to play with league dues and equipment costs so Kensington Soccer Club looks to make that cost minimal through fundraising. A kid can walk up to the doors of the clubhouse with nothing but permission from their parents to play soccer and be outfitted to get on the field that same day.

Kensington Soccer Club has been around since 2010 running a multitude of programs in the area. Because of the way that the program is run, each donation has a large impact on the program and on the kids involved. Club president Jim Hardy was on hand at the event to talk about the event and Kensington Soccer Club.

"“Having this great new equipment will enable us to go into the schools with our Soccer For Everyone program and teach every child in the community how to play.” Hardy said, “Then for those that really love it, we’ll have the equipment necessary to expand our pay-what-you-can recreational and travel teams.”"

The kids involved with Kensington Soccer Club also regularly get the opportunity to attend Philadelphia Union games and different team events.

"“Dunkin’ Donuts and the Philadelphia Union are helping us to bring the whole community together through our soccer programs.” said, Hardy, “They’re helping our youth to be a part of a positive, inclusive soccer community and grow as soccer players and as people.”"

It’s always good to see sports teams giving back to the community and seeing Dunkin’ Donuts and Good Sports Inc. involved as well only makes it three times as nice. If you’d like to get involved or contribute to what Kensington Soccer Club is doing, check out the link here.

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