Event Featured A Clinic By Former USWNT Captain And Soccer Hall of Famer Christie Pearce Rampone
All Kids One Field (AKOF) recently hosted its 3rd Annual Community Night featuring Manasquan native and US Women’s National Team legend Christie Pearce Rampone, which brought together hundreds of families from Freehold for a free evening of soccer and entertainment.
This event was run in collaboration with and support from NJ Youth Soccer, the US Soccer Innovate to Grow Grant and the US Youth Soccer United Cup. The United Cup is a grant from US Youth Soccer that aims to provide recreational youth soccer players an opportunity to experience the game in a fun, family-like atmosphere. It fosters stimulation and excitement about soccer in an effort to increase the recreational players’ interest in and love for the game. At the AKOF Community Event, participants had the opportunity to play soccer with their peers, get entertained by the Red Bull Freestyle Crew, enjoy music and take part in crafts.
Without a doubt, former US Women’s National Team captain, recent National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee, three-time Olympic Gold Medalist and two-time World Cup champion Christie Pearce Rampone was a highlight of the event. The New Jersey native provided an exclusive soccer clinic prior to the official event and then dedicated hours to signing autographs and taking photos with her fans. To further provide a great experience for attendees, many of those young fans got a chance to wear one of her authentic Olympic and World Cup medals.
“It is always great to be out here with the youth and help to shape the next generation of players,” said Pearce Rampone. “All of the kids came with a great attitude. They were willing to work, and they were great listeners. Overall, this event was all about having a fun time and building relationships.”
Chris Naspo, AKOF Founder, was the engine who made this event possible. With months of planning and the support of many volunteers, this community night far exceeded expectations.
“The purpose of All Kids One Field is to build community and friendships through sports,” said Naspo. “With the support of New Jersey Youth Soccer and United Cup, we were able to do just that at our Soccer Community Night. NJYS and United Cup gave us the expertise and resources to create an environment where kids can play soccer, make new friends and develop their love for the game. It was exciting to see the game being played on a community level, especially with kids new to the sport having an opportunity to play and begin their journey.”
NJYS Executive Director Evan Dabby also voiced his pleasure in NJ Youth Soccer being able to support the event.
“New Jersey Youth Soccer is honored to support AKOF and community-based events like this,” said Dabby. “Chris, and the dozens of volunteers from the Freehold community, continue to inspire and simply make this a better environment for the kids and families who participate.”
Additional supporters of the AKOF Community Night included the Centra State Healthcare Foundation, Freehold Borough PBS, Freehold Borough Recreation Commission, Freehold Township Board of Education, Freehold Township Police Department, Gotham FC, Manasquan Bank, Neighborhood Connections to Health, New Jersey Natural Gas, Prints2Go and the Vin Gopal Civic Association.
To contact New Jersey Youth Soccer, please email [email protected]. Also make sure to follow us on social media: @NJYouthSoccer
For more info on Christie Pearce Rampone, follow her on social: @ChristieRampone3 or contact Gold Standard Sports & Entertainment, [email protected]
Please see below for statements that were made by a few youth players who attended the event.
“It was really cool. All kids from different backgrounds get to meet up and play sports while bonding.” – John H. (16 years old)
“I made a lot of friends, and the coaches were really nice. We have a lot of fun playing, and I cannot wait to see my new friends again.” – Amelia D. (8 years old)
“Honestly, it was amazing. Kids got the opportunity to play and have fun. They got to meet and make new friends as well.” – Joseph H. (14 years old)
“I got to play soccer, and the guys did really cool tricks.” – Michael D. (4 years old)
About All Kids One Field
All Kids One Field (AKOF) was founded in September 2019. Naspo was challenged to start foundation by Will Smith, FLC Principal, because as former athletes, soccer dads and educators they knew that bringing kids together to play is a powerful thing, it builds lifelong relationships and can transcend may social challenges. AKOF was also recognized as the Community MVP Award by Major League Soccer in December 2021 as well as generated $1000 in equipment via the “Every Save Makes a Difference” program run by the New York Red Bulls and Telemundo.