NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Sept. 1, 2021) – As part of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Nashville SC, along with MLS WORKS – Major League Soccer’s social responsibility platform – and Continental Tire are teaming up to support Childhood Cancer Awareness Month with the 8th annual “Kick Childhood Cancer” campaign to raise awareness of pediatric cancers and fundraise for childhood cancer research.
In support of Kick Childhood Cancer month, Nashville SC will collaborate with the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt (MCJCHV) for the second year in a row in the following initiatives:
- KCC Acts of Kindness - MLS and Continental Tire will partner with MLS clubs and players will organize activations and acts of kindness for patients, families, and healthcare providers. Nashville SC activities include:
- KCC Scarf Design Workshop - Nashville SC hosted a special art workshop with KCC Ambassador Lydia Starnes to design the commemorative scarf for the KCC 2021 campaign.
- KCC Pajama Bottoms & Blankets - Nashville SC, MLS and Continental Tires will donate 125 club customized pajama bottoms for child patients at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. During the holidays, Nashville SC will follow up with club customized comfort blankets with messages of hope for patients and survivors.
KCC Fundraisers
- KCC Commemorative Scarf - Nashville SC will give a voice to children battling cancer through launching the KCC 2021 themed scarf designed by child patient Lydia Starnes at the Monroe Carell Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. The KCC 2021 scarf will be sold throughout the month of September 2021 and used to raise funds and awareness throughout the Nashville community.
- Hashtag Campaign - Fans can submit messages on social media channels using the hashtag #KickChildhoodCancer. For every post that uses the hashtag, Continental Tire will donate $1 to fund pediatric cancer research during the month of September.
- Match-Day Giving – During the official KCC match on Sept. 3rd, Nashville SC will collect donations at all Nissan Stadium concession stands and initiate a special text-to-give campaign encouraging donations in-stadium and through the local game broadcast.
- Holiday Auction – A holiday auction will provide an additional fundraising opportunity later in the season. Auction items will consist of game-used, autographed jerseys from Walker Zimmerman and Dax McCarty, team-signed soccer balls from September 2020 matches and the official match-day Gibson Riff Guitar used at the Sept. 3 match and signed by members of the team.
Throughout Nashville SC’s match against New York City FC on Sept. 3, the club will participate in multiple KCC activations throughout the day. These activations include:
- KCC Hero of the Match – Child ambassador and cancer patient Lydia Starnes, a Nashville SC fan will serve as the Hyundai Hero of the Match and will be featured through the club’s digital and social channels as well as during the match broadcast.
- KCC Section 615 – Fans from the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital and the American Cancer Society will serve as special guests of Nashville SC’s Section 615, a designated section for community partners and special guests. The virtual fans will be featured during the match broadcast on Sept. 3.
- KCC Scoreboard Art – Child patients from Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital will create scoreboard art that will be displayed through the match broadcast on Sept. 3rd as Nashville SC takes on New York City FC at Nissan Stadium.
- KCC Guest Commentator – Jessica Meyer – Nashville SC will welcome guest host and commentator Jessica Meyer, a 19-year-old cancer survivor. Jessica’s story started at 11 years old when she was diagnosed with brain cancer. Her entire 5th grade year she spent battling and fighting for her life. She endured chemotherapies, radiation, brain surgery, as well as a port and g-tube surgery. She is happy to say that she is now 19 years old and an eight-year brain cancer survivor. Jessica will join Tony Husband and Jamie Watson on KCC Night during the Nashville SC halftime show.
- KCC Anthem – Ava Paige Davis – 17-year-old singer-songwriter from Nashville, Ava Paige Davis will perform the KCC Night National Anthem. Ava is a patient at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital.
Throughout the month of September MLS Kick Childhood Cancer matches will feature:
- A commemorative Kick Childhood Cancer edition MLS adidas Nativo 21 Official Match Ball used in match play
- Kick Childhood Cancer adidas Pre-Match Jerseys will be worn by players during pregame and warmups on game day as well as on the bench, side lines and during training and in community outreach efforts
- Gold corner flags
- Gold goal nets
- Gold captain’s armbands
- Gold ribbon jersey patches
- PRO referees will sport wristbands featuring a Kick Childhood Cancer ribbon
Campaign elements will be promoted in-stadium, on league social and digital channels, and national and regional broadcasts. For more information on Nashville SC Kick Childhood Cancer initiatives, visit www.nashvillesc.com or MLSsoccer.com/mlsworks.
