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Last year, the Cohansey Soccer Club, Upper Deerfield Township, New Jersey partnered with Captain Ari
Cohen, originally from Cherry Hill, NJ, of the 82nd Airborne Division of the United States Army to help the children of Al Batha, Iraq play soccer. Elements of the 82nd Airborne were in that area and had become involved with youth soccer there. This involvement resulted in tremendous good will with the local citizenry, showing them the true spirit of the American people. The effects were far reaching; building trust and a mutual respect which not only benefits the Iraqi children, but also service members who are currently serving in the Armed Forces in Iraq.
They only had a field and some goals, but not much else.
Ari, who is a former youth soccer player from the Cherry Hill area, contacted his father Steve, and asked him to help gather new or used soccer equipment for the children of Al Batha Steve sprang into action and began contacting local youth soccer clubs to see if there was any surplus equipment that could be donated.
The Cohansey Soccer Club was preparing to host its 14th annual soccer tournament and approached Steve about having the Cohansey Soccer Tournament serve as a collection point for the surplus equipment. The collection was a success and over 50 boxes of equipment were collected and shipped to Iraq.
We are now preparing to host our 15th Tournament and have, once again, been contacted by the 82nd Airborne to collect more soccer gear. The 82nd will be headed back to Iraq in the near future and we will be sending soccer equipment with them.
The following new or used equipment is needed: cleats, shin guards, uniforms, shorts, shirts, etc.
A collection area will be located at the Cohansey Soccer Complex during the tournament.
The only item that is NOT needed is soccer balls, they already have enough there.
It is a great way to help some less fortunate youth soccer players!
So, please, check the closets, basements and garages for items that your soccer players have out
grown or no longer use
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