Bally Sports Reporter ,Maurice Edu; Board Member, Bill Ford & Atlanta United President, Darren Eales
Soccer in the Streets held its annual Footy Ball Gala on Saturday, November. 13th. The silent auction and gala, hosted by Atlanta United’s President Darren Eales and Bally Sports Broadcaster & Former MLS Player Maurice Edu, raised $275,000 to establish a more level playing field for Atlanta’s youth.
The event attracted over two hundred and fifty guests from the city’s soccer family and those wanting to see change in Atlanta’s under-resourced communities. VIP panelists Darren Eales and Maurice Edu were one of the main highlights sharing their experiences of the beautiful game.
“It was a pleasure taking part in this year’s FootyBall Gala in support of our partner Soccer in the Streets,” said Atlanta United president Darren Eales. “Our club is committed to providing greater access to the sport of soccer and to strengthening ties to our community through the game we love. The opportunities that Soccer in the Streets offers to young people, and the work they are doing to grow the game at the grassroots level is inspiring. We look forward to continuing our partnership and working together to level the playing field in Atlanta and beyond.”
Maurice Edu & Darren Eales speaking during VIP Event
In addition, Maurice gave insight on the growth of the game since he came through the ranks and both panelists provided the crowd with some foresight on things like the future growth of MLS and the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted in the US, Mexico, and Canada.
“After learning about the incredible work Soccer in the Streets is doing, I was honored to be able to attend the event and meet everything making this possible. The opportunity they’re providing these young kids goes beyond just the sport of soccer”, said Edu. “I was fortunate to play this beautiful game but more importantly grow and learn so many life lessons that helped mold me into the man I am today but it is because I had the opportunity.”
The event saw the presentation of the Annual Napolitano Award. This award is presented to a young person who embodies leadership, service, and enrichment around the game of soccer. Moses Buraruhanya, aged 17, a Clarkston F.C youth player and referee was the recipient of this award.
Director of Programs Tony Carter and Clarkston Coach Adam Adam presenting award to Moses
Soccer in the Streets, Director of Programs Tony Carter spoke of the leadership qualities shown by Moses.
“Moses goes out of his way for others”, said Carter. “ He works on volunteer projects and helps other youth players with their skills. His initiative is an inspiration to other young people on his team and in his community. We are proud of the young man he has become throughout the years.”
Organizations attending and supporting the event included: Northside Athlete Foundation, Cahaba Wealth Management, Connolly Family Foundation, KGC Capital, Mercedes- Benz of Buckhead, Story on the Square, Salesforce, JB Solutions, Brightstone Homes, Integral, T. Dallas Smith & Co. Gratus Capital, Georgia Power, Contemporary Gardens, The MET Atlanta. Fallas Family Vision, and KTS.
Event attendees during gala
The Individual sponsors were: Vicki and Joe Hall, Beth and Carper Pope, Valerie and Vernon O’Neal, Katherine and Tom Dierdorff, Jean and Jason Hanges, Diane and Brian Macaluso, Bill and Michelle Ford, Roberta and Reed Deupree, The Kirsch Family, Dana, and Bill Tucker, and The Kirsch Family.
“It was a spectacular and successful night for our second annual gala”, said Soccer in the Streets Executive Director, Phil Hill. “We are thankful to have the opportunity to bring the Atlanta soccer community together to raise money for youth players.”
PhotoCred: @gracemariephotographyco
