Roadies planning a special Saturday for local youth soccer
NASHVILLE — On a typical Nashville Soccer Club match day at First Tennessee Park, the impact made by the vocal support of the Roadies is immeasurable, and this Saturday, the raucous fan group will be looking to make an even bigger impact on the youth soccer fields at Frederick Douglass Park as it will partner with Soccer for the Nations to provide an electric match day atmosphere for some of the city’s child refugees.
“We’re going to try to give them their best match ever and something unforgettable,” revealed Roadies president Newton Dominey. “It will be a real supporters section, and we’ll do our best to give the teams a full match day atmosphere.”
The Roadies, charter members of the Nashville Soccer Supporters Trust, have developed strong ties with Soccer for the Nations over the past two years, and this season in particular has seen that relationship grow and strengthen. In addition to the festivities on Saturday, the Roadies have been fundraising for the group via its partnership with Pastime, the restaurant that serves as home for the group on match days.
“Our core purpose isn’t to raise money, but that is certainly a part of what we do,” Dominey said. “Our partnership with Soccer for the Nations felt like a good fit for us. The idea that there’s kids out there who can’t play soccer due to circumstances beyond their control is a shame. This felt like something that we could rally around. It lines up well with our goals and vision.”
Soccer for the Nations, which is in its third year, helps cover registration, equipment, travel and associated costs for refugee children in the Nashville area. The group competes in the Mid State Youth Sports League.
“Soccer can bring communities, cities and countries together,” Dominey continued. “Being able to help facilitate and support that is something for us to rally around. As a parent, it's awesome to know that there’s a group out there that is helping support kids from war-torn countries that can’t get involved in a sport, and we’re excited to be involved.”
“Practices on Friday evenings are often the highlight of these kids’ weeks, and by simply showing up and getting to know the kids, I get to play a role in them falling in love with the beautiful game,” explained Roadies member Robbie Melton, who also coaches one of the teams. “I love coaching this team because, for some of them, soccer has given them a voice. I hope that they can continue to feel valued both on and off the pitch because they are.”
Everyone is invited to join the Roadies, even if only for a few hours, on Saturday. Things will get under way at 10:30 a.m. and should wrap up by 2 p.m.
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To donate to Soccer for the Nations, please visit their GoFundMe page.
To join the Roadies, click here.