In support of Kick Childhood Cancer Night pres. by Vertiv on Saturday, September 25 at Lower.com Field, Black & Gold supporters in attendance are encouraged to "Go Gold" and wear their favorite gold-colored gear to show support.
Continue reading below for more information on Kick Childhood Cancer Month and how fans can be involved.
Join us for the regular-season finale at Lower.com Field on November 7 vs. Chicago Fire FC
What is Kick Childhood Cancer?
This year, the Columbus Crew, MLS, MLS WORKS – the League’s social responsibility platform – and Continental Tire are teaming up to support Childhood Cancer Awareness Month with the 8th annual “Kick Childhood Cancer” campaign to raise awareness of pediatric cancers and fundraise for childhood cancer research.
The Kick Childhood Cancer campaign will promote and benefit Children’s Oncology Group (COG) Foundation, the world’s largest organization devoted exclusively to childhood and adolescent cancer research, uniting more than 10,000 experts in childhood cancer at more than 200 leading children’s hospitals around the world. The Kick Childhood Cancer campaign has enabled COG to strengthen research efforts across the entire spectrum of pediatric cancers, including Project: EveryChild – a unique project aiming to capture the biology and outcome data of every child diagnosed with cancer.
How fans can show support the fundraising effort
Fans are encouraged to support the Kick Childhood Cancer campaign by tweeting inspirational messages with the hashtag #KickChildhoodCancer during the month of September. For every post featuring the #KickChildhoodCancer hashtag on Twitter from September 1-30, 2021, Continental Tire will donate $1 (up to a maximum of $50,000) to COG.
Matchday features
Cheer Cards
The first 10,000 fans will receive a “I Cheer For” Card presented by Vertiv. Fans are encouraged to hold their cards up during the U.S. National Anthem.
Pre-match ceremonies
Pre-match events are set to include messages of support from Crew players, as well as the ceremonial goal kick, which will be taken by Jaron Schwartz, a pediatric cancer survivor.
In-stadium activities and features
Throughout the month of September, MLS, its member clubs, and players will drive awareness of the campaign through in-stadium activations, league social and digital channels, and on national and regional broadcasts. Highlighted by the internationally recognized gold color for childhood cancer, MLS Kick Childhood Cancer matches will feature:
- A commemorative Kick Childhood Cancer edition MLS adidas Nativo 21 Official Match Ball used in match play
- Kick Childhood Cancer adidas Pre-Match Jerseys will be worn by players during pregame and warmups on game day as well as on the bench, sidelines and during training and in community outreach efforts
- Gold corner flags
- Gold goal nets
- Gold captain’s armbands
- Gold ribbon jersey patches
- PRO referees will sport wristbands featuring a Kick Childhood Cancer ribbon
