The LouCity & Racing Foundation — charitable arm of Soccer Holdings, LLC — welcomed about 900 attendees on Wednesday evening to its inaugural “Soccer Ball” aimed at leveraging the beautiful game toward good in our community.
The crowd gathered raised more than $200,000 for the foundation while toasting Louisville City FC and Racing Louisville FC’s seasons at the Louisville Marriott Downtown.
“It was amazing to see so many people here for a first-year event,” said the foundation’s executive director, Jeremy Jarvi. “The passion people have to support these teams and the foundation is incredible. The energy was high-level, and it was great to hear stories not just about what we’re doing with soccer but what we want to do to support kids in our community.”
The LouCity & Racing Foundation formed in 2021 with a mission to improve health, wellness, education and inclusiveness through the power of soccer. Since then, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit has created a number of partnerships with community organizations mainly geared toward youth and the benefits of structured sports.
Former LouCity goalkeeper Scott Goodwin, who retired from playing to transition into his next career as a doctor, delivered the keynote address. He said: “It’s because soccer has empowered me to go after my dreams in this way that I believe so strongly in what this foundation sets out to achieve.
“…There’s something special here in Louisville, and I feel honored and humbled to have been able to be a part of it,” Goodwin added, encouraging those assembled to join in helping people “feel excited and empowered to chase after their dreams to pursue excellence on and off the field in whatever brings them joy and fulfillment in life.”
LouCity midfielder Carlos Moguel Jr. addressed the room as well. Moguel Jr. previously received a scholarship to play in the City youth academy. He’s now part of the club’s professional roster, representing just one type of success story the foundation can spark.
“I’m blown way yet again with the community support for this event and these clubs,” said Soccer Holdings’ president, James O’Connor. “It’s truly humbling to see more than 900 people here, and I’m proud of the work from this whole organization.”
Soccer Holdings doled out a number of awards at the Soccer Ball, including…
— Racing Players’ Choice Award: Lauren Milliet
— LouCity Players’ Choice Award: Brian Ownby
— Racing Community Leadership Award: Nadia Nadim
— LouCity Community Leadership Award: Sean Totsch
— Front Office P.I.T.C.H Employee of the Year Award: Dave Walkovic
— The Wayne Estopinal Community Partnership Award: Toyota of Louisville
— Racing P.I.T.C.H. Academy Player of the Year Award: Lydia McCool
— LouCity P.I.T.C.H. Academy Player of the Year Award: Jorge Piccioli
For more information on the LouCity & Racing Foundation, or to make a donation, visit LouCity.com/foundation.
