ROCKINGHAM — The Richmond Senior High School boys’ soccer program is calling on the local community for help this winter.
Following in the footsteps of the football and volleyball teams, the Raiders have started a Snap! Raise fundraiser to help offset costs during the 2021 season.
The latest Richmond team to use the crowdsourcing site, the soccer team’s 28-day fundraiser opened on Thursday, the same day it had its first match.
At the time of publication, donations have already reached $1,941 in just over 24 hours. The current goal for the team is set at $2,500, but can be increased as the program surpasses its goal.
Head coach Chris Larsen said the pandemic has hurt the program’s funding because the Raiders haven’t been able to hold their traditional fundraising programs. On top of that, only 100 fans are permitted at games per the NCHSAA guidelines, so gate and concession sales are also being impacted.
“Typically we raise money through a sponsor board and summer camp,” Larsen explained. “Summer camp was canceled for the first time in 19 years due to gathering restrictions.
“I chose not to ask for sponsors this year out of fear that the season would not happen because of any number of circumstances,” he added. “And I was concerned that most of our sponsors are local small businesses or families who may have been affected by the pandemic.”
In November, the Raider football team raised $23,085, and after Snap! Raise collected its 20 percent and prizes were taken out, a total of $17,655.80 was put in the team’s account. Some of that money will also be used by the school’s general athletic fund.
A month later, the Lady Raider volleyball team raised $8,430 and saw $6,480.40 go to supporting the team.
While some of the funds will go toward paying for officials, meals, the team’s mileage bill and for new equipment, Larsen hopes to use a portion for larger scale projects in the future. A lot of that has to do with the increase of the sport’s interest across all age groups in Richmond County.
“We are always looking to grow the program and have the best equipment possible,” Larsen said. “We have seen tons of growth and interest in the sport in the last few years and want to continue to grow the program.
“There are long-term plans to hopefully help build the sport and put in some activities for the community, but we need additional support to make those things happen. I understand that the only way to raise our program to the next level is to reach kids before they make it to the high school level.”
He noted that the program will make sure there’s a balance between the high school teams (varsity and junior varsity) getting the necessary things to make the shortened season a success, but also help support younger age groups.
All 20 members of the varsity soccer team have been active over the past week reaching out to community members. Currently, 42 different individuals and small businesses have contributed to the team’s fund, which will run through Thursday, Feb. 25.
“Raising almost $2,000 in the first 24 hours shows the support from the community and how those involved see the importance of soccer in the lives of the players,” Larsen closed.
“It’s good to know that there are people who support what you as a coach spend many, many hours trying to accomplish.”
To view the Richmond Senior High School boys’ soccer team’s Snap! Raise page, click here.
