Although senior Andrew Uria ’05 has been injured for the beginning of the Fairfield University men’s soccer season, it doesn’t mean he hasn’t been actively involved with the team.
Uria, the community service organizer for the team, is holding a jacket and blanket drive during the remaining home games of the season. The name of the drive is “Warmth for the Winter.”
For the final four home games, each person who brings a blanket or article of clothing to the game will be given free admission. After the season ends, Uria and his team will drop the collected clothing and blankets off at local homeless shelters throughout Bridgeport and any other locations requiring assistance.
The team will also be handing out flyers at games and posting a news story on the university athletic website.
“We are hoping that the word will spread around town and the popularity of the drive will grow through the month,” said Uria. “Hopefully, town members and Fairfield University students will hear about the drive and contribute to the cause.”
Uria accepted the role as service organizer for the team this year and has done multiple community activities during the past year. His job is to think of ideas for possible community service projects. Uria then offers the suggestions to the coach and to athletic director Eugene Doris for final approval.
Along with the jacket and blanket drive, the team has also organized a soccer clinic for youths in the area. The name of the program is “Sunshine Kids.”
The clinic provides children, who have been directly or indirectly affected by the AIDS virus, the opportunity to play soccer. Children of all ages play soccer with a number of players from the Fairfield team once a week.
FUSA President Paul Duffy ’05 is also involved with the “Sunshine Kids” program and Uria hopes to see many other Fairfield students volunteer for the program in the upcoming year.
“It is a great opportunity for these kids to have fun and keep their spirits up,” said Uria.
Other Fairfield varsity teams have applauded the efforts of the men’s soccer team, and also hope to participate in some form of community service this upcoming year.
“I think it’s great what the soccer team is doing,” said cross-country captain Justin Rindos ’05.
“It’s a good idea and it shows that Fairfield athletes are more than just athletes; they are people that truly care about the community,” he said.
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