My name is Mike Schuenemann, and I’m a current youth soccer coach and former player for the Kickers Soccer Club in Aurora, IL. I’m looking to raise money to provide financial relief for low-income families and players within the club. Prior to 2020, studies showed that 6–18-year-olds from low-income households were six times more likely to drop out of athletics for financial reasons than those from higher-income households. Unfortunately, in the last two years, we have seen firsthand an even larger disparity in initial participation and dropout rates due to increased financial burdens families face. However, it remains our club’s goal to give all kids the opportunity to play, learn and develop regardless of income level.

Kickers Soccer Club is a nonprofit organization founded in 1959 and one of the oldest soccer clubs in Illinois.  We have a proud legacy of providing exceptional training and development opportunities on and off the field for recreational and competitive soccer players in the Fox Valley/Aurora area. To overcome the financial burdens of playing competitive soccer, we continue to focus on finding and creating ways to raise money to offset the burden for players and families in need.

Our annual golf outing is our largest fundraising event with ALL proceeds of the event going directly to the club's Scholarship Fund. We are determined to see the outing grow and continue to provide much needed financial assistance to families. This year, we plan to host 80+ golfers and raise more than $7,500 for the Scholarship Fund.

With your help, we believe we can make an immediate impact on multiple families and children in the community by allowing them the chance to play competitive soccer without financial burden and regardless of income level.