The United Soccer Club, a competitive soccer league in Collierville, unites together twice a year to help their community. The club emphasizes to players the importance that they appreciate the opportunity they are given to play the game of soccer, according to Executive Director, Keith Potts. “It goes back to our mission,” says Keith. “We’re teaching these guys that it’s important to work together as a team on and off the field by making a commitment to the community and lending a hand to those in need.”

Earlier this year it came to the attention of a United manager that a local family had an 11 month-old son, Liam, born with Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome, a rare condition characterized by tumor formation and malignancies. In March, Liam was diagnosed with liver and adrenal cancer. The adrenal masses were removed with surgery and Liam went through chemotherapy and radiation for the liver cancer. “Our family goes to church with Liam’s family and as we learned the hardship of this little warrior fighting cancer, we knew we had to help in some way,” says United player’s parent, Kathy King. 

The Club decided to host a 3V3 tournament called “Love for Liam” in honor of Liam’s battle with cancer. Four local clubs, including United, played in the tournament. “Love for Liam was a fun way to raise money. The coaches, players, parents, and the community gave without hesitation. Teams were made up of players and friends for the sole purpose of having a fun day of soccer for a great cause. The visiting teams made multiple comments on how everyone was gracious and showed such sportsmanship.” Referees also donated their time.

Liam’s father, Will, handed out medals to the winners of the tournament. “It was cool that he (Will) came to the game and gave out medals, especially when they had just got home from St. Jude that day,” says United player Alex King. “He (Will) was very happy and made everyone feel like that had really done something special.” The team raised over three thousand dollars in contributions to help Liam’s family with medical expenses. Liam’s last full body scan showed no detectable disease and is cancer free.