Sporting FC Cares is the social philanthropic arm of Sporting FC, operating in some of the most underprivileged areas across the world to deliver educational programs, philanthropic initiatives, and community outreach through the sport of soccer. We recognize the significant role sports play in the lives of young people, providing them with opportunities to make a difference and change their lives for the better.
INITIATIVE #1
“Hope on my feet”
- Collecting used/new soccer shoes and equipment to deliver them to a soccer club in a struggling community or country
- Raising funds and items to help eg. Fort McMurray, Madeira fires, Nepal soccer gear collection, Cleats for Uganda, etc…
INITIATIVE #2
“Planning ahead”
- Hold education sessions on applying to university, securing scholarships, and balancing sports and academics in high school to Sporting FC athletes
- Speakers’ Panel: an annual event that exposes athletes to professionals in sports and related industries
- Christopher McCurbin-Parkin Award: Award is given to one of our players who exhibits outstanding leadership qualities on and off the field, a player who also excels in his academics and is also involved in the community.
INITIATIVE #3
“Learning never stops”
Mentorship program: An opportunity for older players to volunteer with our younger age groups. This encourages them to learn more about coaching as well as develop their leadership abilities.
INITIATIVE #4
“Toy and Food drive”
Over 10 banana boxes of food, 3 garbage bags of toys, and over $1000 were collected for local organizations throughout the GTA during the 2019 food and toy drive. Organizations such as the Daily bread food bank and the Dovercourt boys and girls club were some of the recipients of the generously donated items.
Birth date: 18 March 1993
Birth date: 12 February 1990
Birth date: 4 April 1983
Birth date: 06 January 1981
Birth date: 10 April 1988
Birth date: 21 August 1992
Birth date: 24 February 1986
Birth date: 21 August 1983
Birth date: 31 October 1990
Birth date: 12 July 1989
Patricia was born in Toronto but raised in Portugal where she spent most of her life. Since diagnosed with celiac disease at 12 years old she was forced to understand every single ingredient going into her body. She later decided to take a Bachelor’s degree in Nutritional Sciences at the University of Porto in Portugal with one semester spent in Poland in between. Specialist in nutritional counselling and follow-up with patients under a weight loss program, Patricia looks to help our athletes and their families find a healthy diet with emphasis on the pleasure of eating well.
Alicia is an avid soccer player and former youth soccer coach, who has been playing in pickup games, leagues, and tournaments for decades. She completed her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Kinesiology/Exercise Sciences at McMaster University and the University of Toronto, and recently underwent a one year training certification to become a Functional Health Coach. In 2015, her passion for soccer as a tool for personal and community development led to her co-founding NUTMEG Soccer, a Toronto based not-for-profit soccer and life skills organization. Alicia is so excited to combine her love for soccer with her health coaching skill set to support players and their families in achieving their health, wellness, and mindset goals and flourishing as humans!
Chaitanya is a toy engineer at Spin Master, as well as a photography enthusiast since 2011. Growing up in Oakville, Chaitanya participated in many sports as a child, including soccer and baseball. During his final season of baseball, a father of his teammate acted as a volunteer photographer for the team. Sitting on the bench, Chaitanya found himself more fascinated by the equipment the photographer was using than the game he was supposed to be playing. Today, Chaitanya is a part time photographer covering sports and events. Chaitanya looks to build passion for soccer through his photography by capturing the spirit of the game in his images.
Jason King is an Australian born athlete, coach, mentor and talent scout. He was born into football – learning to play from his Grandfather who was a well-respected professional player in England. His goal is laser focused on developing and helping student athletes across Ontario get into College or University in Canada or America through athletic and academic scholarships. Jason is a huge advocate for these kids and wants them to realize their own capabilities and their potential on the football field and in the classroom. In his spare time, Jason will be seen in the kitchen or at the park with his kids, wife and two dogs. He is a huge believer that family always comes first. His favourite Football teams are Man Utd and Napoli, and all-time favourite player is Ryan Giggs.
Andrew was born and raised in Toronto, who has been playing competitive soccer and other sports recreationally for years. He’s currently enrolled at Ryerson University, pursuing an undergraduate degree in Sport Media. Andrew has a profound love for sports and content creation, combining his two passions to create his own soccer-based podcast, Premier Talk. He has experience in video editing, graphic design, sports writing, and is working to one day be a part of the sport media landscape. Andrew has also worked with the indigenous youth of Attawapiskat, conducting soccer and media related programs in 2017, 2018, and 2019. Andrew is excited to channel his appreciation for the beautiful game of soccer, to create meaningful content for people to enjoy.