City SC Carlsbad hosted the 8th annual Giving Back Friendlies event May 1-2, 2021, raising a total of $15,355 for this year’s beneficiary, the Martinez Family.
The Friendlies are City SC’s biggest annual community fundraiser. Every year, the club picks a local cause or organization to support and dedicates a weekend of friendly games to raising funds for the chosen recipient. Since its inception in 2014, the Giving Back Friendlies have raised over $100,000 for a wide variety of worthy causes, ranging from local families in need to organizations doing life changing and in some instances, life saving work in the community.
This year’s cause was a highly personal one as the Martinez Family has deep ties to City SC Carlsbad. The Martinezes lost their father, Fernando Martinez on March 26, 2021 as a result of complications after contracting COVID19. He was the father of six children, including Michelle Diaz, a former player at the club turned City SC staff member. Michelle started working in the City SC office after graduating from Vista High School two years ago and is an integral part of the club staff.
The 2021 Giving Back Friendlies were arguably the event’s greatest show of community strength, uniting teams from several fellow community clubs in the fundraising efforts. In an extra show of support for the Martinez family, Michelle’s teammates from the St. Katherine’s University women’s soccer team, along with players from the St. Katherine’s men’s soccer team, volunteered their time to referee all 65 games played over the course of the weekend.
“We believe that we have a responsibility to look after our community and to give back,” said City SC Director of Operations, Michael Duggan. “This was a massive effort from everyone involved, and we are proud of our club for coming to the aid of a family that needs us. Our hearts go out to Michelle and her family.”
Massive thanks to all of our City SC Carlsbad members, coaches, and staff who support this event every year, to the St. Katherine’s University players who volunteered many hours reffing all of the games, and to our fellow teams from City SC San Marcos, Cardiff Sockers, La Jolla Impact and Oceanside Breakers who participated in this year’s event.
Donations are still being accepted online via GoFundMe. To donate please click here.
To view a brief video summary of our 2021 Giving Back fundraising event please click below.
These events define our club and community spirit. We really appreciate your help, and know Michelle and the Martinez Family greatly appreciate your support!
