Newtown Parent Connection, Inc. (NPC) announces Soccer Revolution fundraiser in New Britain

NEWTOWN, Conn. – The Newtown Parent Connection, Inc. (NPC) announced a special soccer doubleheader fundraiser, Soccer Revolution, at Veterans Memorial Stadium in New Britain, Conn., on Tuesday, June 18.

The special doubleheader of soccer action features the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer against Real Boston Rams of the United Soccer League’s Professional Development League in the first match. In the second game, the New York Cosmos of the North American Soccer League will face Newtown’s own, the Newtown Pride of the Connecticut Soccer League.

The evening will kick off at 6 p.m. with the Revs-Rams match, followed by the Cosmos-Pride match at 7:30 p.m. Stadium gates will open at 5 p.m.

Tickets cost $15 and can be purchased at www.newtownparentconnection.org or by calling toll free 1-866-722-8953.  Fans who purchase tickets before 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 11, will receive discounts: individual tickets will be $13, while group tickets (for parties of 20 or more) will be $10 each.

All proceeds from Soccer Revolution, including ticket sales and proceeds from a silent auction held that evening, will go to the Newtown Parent Connection.

“Newtown Parent Connection has been supporting the Newtown community for more than 20 years, and as a result of the tragic events on December 14, 2012, there is an increased need for family and youth peer support for both mental health and substance use disorders,” says Dorrie Carolan, Co-Founder of Newtown Parent Connection. “We look forward to these soccer fundraising events as a way to build the sustainable support infrastructure our community needs to assist in the healing process for the long-term, something that will be in place, five, 10 and 15 years from now.”

The event, organized by the NPC, is supported by the city of New Britain, Conn., through the use of Veterans Memorial Stadium and municipal support made possible by Mayor Timothy E. O’Brien and Angelo D’Alfonso, chairman of the New Britain Parks and Recreation Committee.

“We’re so pleased this event has come to fruition,” Mike Svanda, Newtown Pride coach, said. “When the tragedy at Sandy Hook took place we were devastated, as many people were. We were trying to think of a way to help affect change, a real difference for the future. We wanted to play soccer games to raise awareness and bring families together. Our goal is to play soccer to raise funds and awareness for the Newtown Parent Connection, and to help implement programs to help the recovery, establish support now, and set up preventative mechanisms for the future. The Newtown Pride Soccer team has dedicated the entire season to raising awareness and raising funds for the NPC, playing the game we love for the town we represent. It is amazing to see the Rams, Revolution and Cosmos come together for this cause and it’s an honor to be a part of this great event.”

“We’re honored to participate in Soccer Revolution and help raise awareness of the work the Newtown Parent Connection is doing,” New England Revolution president Brian Bilello said. “We’re proud to be New England’s team, and we want to do everything we can to assist members of our community. When we were first invited to Newtown in January for Soccer Night in Newtown, members of our team and many other representatives from around MLS saw how tight-knit and proud this community is. The work of the Newtown Parent Connection is vital to help its community recover, grow and thrive, and we’re excited to be part of the process with Soccer Revolution with the Rams, Cosmos and Pride.”

“The New York Cosmos are honored to help support the Newtown Parent Connection and the entire community of Newtown, Conn.” Erik Stover, New York Cosmos Chief Operating Officer, said. “This is going to be a wonderful event to benefit a great cause. We’re proud to partner with the Newtown Pride, the Boston Rams and the New England Revolution to assist the community in any way we can.”

“The Real Boston Rams are honored and thrilled to take part in the Soccer Revolution,” John Barata, general manager of Real Boston Rams, said. “The Newtown Parent Connection is laying the foundation for on-going support for those affected by the Dec. 14 tragedy in Sandy Hook. Their efforts are remarkable and the mission is great. We are happy to serve our fellow brothers and sisters in any way possible. Soccer is a global language and in this case we want to make it one of peace and unity. We are privileged to work with the New England Revolution, our MLS affiliate, the New York Cosmos and the Newtown Pride on this event.”