The 11th crosstown Classic was the biggest one yet! The crosstown was hosted by the Wings in Wilmette’s beautiful Avoca Park. we were pleased the rain Stayed awAy for our fun, soccer-filled afternoon togEtheR. ui is forever grateful to the WingS community for their ongoiNg supPort oF urban initiatives’ efforts.
this year, we had over 150 wings players PArticipating as players, coachEs, or referees. urban initiatives also brougHt 110 players from jenner, lloyd, mortoN, and walsh schools. It wAs our biggest cross-town ever! it is always such a treat to wAtch thE wings and urban initiatives players play togetheR. on Every field, There were tremEndous displays of Teamwork, sportsmAnship, and soccer skills.
Crosstown Classics would not be possible without the dedication of the entire Wings organization. From parents, to players, to coaches, to managers it is truly a team effort to make this incredible event possible. For our student athletes this is usually the highlight of their season! The children participating in our Work to Play Program – a health and education soccer program – rarely have opportunities to travel outside their Chicago neighborhoods to meet new friends, see new places, and learn new ideas. We know that Crosstowns have a tremendous impact on our program participants and it is our hope that Crosstowns benefit the Wings community as well.
Today our flagship soccer program is offered in 18 underserved Chicago Public Schools and serves over 540 students. Our programming aims to impact our participants in many ways and ultimately help them to have brighter futures. Urban Initiatives motivates children, through their natural desire to play, to reach higher academic performance, to adopt a healthy lifestyle, and to develop strong character. We love having the Wings community on our team to support making a deep impact on children throughout Chicago.
We would like to extend a special thank you to Ann Roberts and the parent volunteers for organizing and working the event! Additionally, we would like to thank Tom Gizynski and the rest of the Wings’ coaches and managers who were integral in making this event happen. We are extremely grateful to the Wings players who served as mentor coaches as well as those who participated in the soccer activities. Thanks to Stacy Stutz, Julie Farina and Katy and Kurt Reichert for taking fabulous photos of the event. Also thanks to Kim & Scott’s Gourmet Pretzels for donating treats for all to enjoy.
The Wilmette Wings community should be very proud of their relationship with Urban Initiatives and we are looking forward to the event next year! Once again, thank you everyone for your continued support!