Both the Whitney Young Boys and Girls Soccer Teams participate every year in the Pepsico Showdown, which is the largest high school soccer tournament in the country. The tournament allows high schools from all around the Chicagoland area to go head to head in friendly competition as well as giving players the opportunity to display their talents for college coaches.

What makes this tournament extra special isn’t only the high level of talent seen on the field, but more importantly, the charity work done off the field by all the high school students. The Pepsico Showdown is partners with Buddy’s Helpers, a nonprofit organization all about uniting high school students to define themselves as leaders through charity work.  Their slogan, “Making a difference on and off the field,” truly illustrates what the goal is. All the work is done by “super” high school students who take on the persona of super heroes to help better their communities. Last year our Girls Soccer Team kicked off their season by participating in a day of random acts of kindness. The girls went all around downtown passing out candy with inspirational notes attached to them and buying coffee and lunch for homeless people. Buddy’s Helpers intention for the random acts of kindness was to encourage people of all ages to do one kind thing and pass on that good deed, to ultimately create a chain effect. One of the girls who participated, Carson Herman ‘19, said that the random acts of kindness “made her realize how great of an impact small deeds can have on a person’s day.” Another one of the Girl’s Soccer players, Sophie Putrim ‘18 said “Buddy’s Helpers is one of the best things I’ve ever been a part of,” and she went on to discuss how great she feels after giving back to her hometown, Chicago.

With the upcoming holidays Buddy’s Helpers and the high school soccer players all have many exciting plans to give back to children in need. Stay tuned to for more information to find out ways you can help make the holidays a hundred times better for less fortunate boys and girls. Also make sure you go support our Girls Soccer Team as they compete in the Pepsico Showdown in the Spring. Photo Credit: Pepsico Showdown