Three of Andrew’s friends from the Henderson High School Girls Varsity Soccer Team, Maddy Mrugal, Suzanne Sanders and Jess Ryan, decided to undertake a senior project incorporating their love of soccer and their desire to work with the Andrew L. Hicks, Jr. Foundation in honor of their friend.  On Saturday, February 26, 2011 (Andrew’s 18th Birthday), and Saturday, March 5, 2011 they ran the Kicks For Hicks Soccer Scramble.  The first Saturday was a soccer skills clinic and the second Saturday was a 3v3 Street Soccer Tournament.  Both events were held from 9:00 am until noon at the Field House at Widener University in Chester, PA.  Over 100 Chester youths, ages 8-14 participated in the Scramble which was only possible with the help of 100 Henderson High School student volunteers and a few West Chester parents.  Some students acted as coaches, referees, time keepers, and field marshalls while others ran the registration table, handed out t-shirts and handled the water stations.

The hope of the Foundation for this tournament was to first and foremost share the love of Christ with the children of Chester.  We were aiming to build relationships through sharing time, talent, and resources while communicating love and respect to the kids.  Secondly, we wanted to introduce soccer to many children who have not played the game before and also build up the skill sets of those kids who might not have had the chance to practice what they already know.  The clinic and tournament may have even encouraged some of the participants to try out spring soccer!  Finally, we wanted to give them a chance to compete in the game with nothing to lose and only confidence to gain.  All of that was accomplished along with the establishment of really neat personal friendships.

On February 26th, the Chester parents were treated to a special Power Point Presentation from which they learned more about the game of soccer, its objectives and rules.  On the 5th of March, the Chester children were treated to a surprise guest appearance by two Philadelphia Independence players who put on a skills exhibition and also posed for photographs with every team!

Special Thanks:

Henderson High School
Widener University
Will Trippley Youth Development Foundation
Chester City United Soccer
Krapf Bus Company
Tuttle Marketing Services
Philadelphia Independence
Arianna’s Gourmet Cafe
Kelly’s Sports
Coach Stan Truoung and Coach Ed Pierce
The Kramp, Knisely, Rodgers and Merrell Families
The Boate and Lentz Families
Andre Cotrufello