Soccer players and fans battled the heat Saturday for a good cause in Appleton.
The Northeast Wisconsin Soccer Club's 5th annual Summer Shootout: Kickin' for a Cause tournament brought nearly 200 teams to the Fox Valley to raise money for children with cancer and blood disorders.
"Playing a sport that we love and helping out kids who need the help, it just feels really good," said Andrew Wormley, who plays for Appleton Soccer Club.
In the past, the tournament has focused on breast cancer awareness. This year, organizers made a change. All proceeds from the tournament went to the MACC Fund, a childhood cancer research fund that also helps kids fighting blood disorders.
"We look at it from a community aspect of doing the next right thing," said Rick Theilig, President of the NEW United Soccer Club.
Teams came from Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin to compete in boys and girls brackets. The out-of-state competition is welcomed by the Northeast Wisconsin players.
"It really helps us figure out different ways to play the game," said James Kosharian, who also plays for Appleton Soccer Club.
Ultimately, though, the tournament teaches players lessons of life off the pitch.
"Even if we help one person with this great cause we have," said Shant Mesdjian, Director of Coaching for NEW United Soccer Club. "It gives our kids an awareness of what's really going on in the world."
The tournament will donate about $5,000 to the MACC Fund.
