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Silverbacks Announce TeamUP for Missing Children Fundraiser Event

September 25, 2013 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


Atlanta (Sept. 25, 2013) - The Atlanta Silverbacks, North American Soccer League's Spring Season Champions, have announced that the club will host a sleepover fundraising event to benefit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, Saturday, Oct. 12, at Atlanta Silverbacks Park. The "TeamUP for Missing Children" fundraiser will begin immediately following the game with Minnesota United FC and conclude Sunday morning, Oct. 13 at 6 a.m.

The Silverbacks and Minnesota United FC, who will host an identical event on the same night in the Twin Cities, will play for the TeamUP Challenge Cup - but the winner of the trophy will be decided off the field, not by the result of the game at Atlanta Silverbacks Park. The trophy will be awarded to the team that inspires the most people to sign up on their team's First Giving website to participate in the event. The number of commitments will be the deciding factor between the Silverbacks and United FC rather than the amount of money that is raised or who scores the most goals during the NASL game.

"We are thrilled to host the first event of this kind with the National Center and bring to light such a critical issue in our communities locally and nationally," Silverbacks General Manager Andy Smith said. "As a father, I know that protecting our children is crucial for our future, and we hope this event can raise money and bring awareness to children in our communities who need our help the most."

"There are up to 2,000 children reported missing every day in the United States," said John Ryan, CEO of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. "This event is for them, to show they are not forgotten and to help bring them home. We are grateful to the Atlanta Silverbacks and their fans for supporting our work to find missing children and prevent the abduction and sexual exploitation of children."

On-field festivities are planned for the 10-hour sleepover at Silverbacks Park, including movies on a pop-up screen on the field, games, soccer inflatables and appearances from Silverbacks players and coaches. An area on the field will be reserved for participants who would like to sleep during the course of the night and guests are encouraged to bring blankets and sleeping bags. Food and drink will be provided.

Participate must register at http://www.firstgiving.com/teamup/silverbacks. The online registration site allows participants to set up a fundraising page of their own, through which they can contact friends and family to ask for donations. Donors can go directly to the fundraising page and make a donation online. Participants are asked to set a goal of raising $500 each for the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, but they must raise a minimum of $50 in order to attend the event on Oct. 12. Children are encouraged to participate but must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the event.



North American Soccer League Stories from September 25, 2013


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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