Charlotte Independence News Release - www.charlotteindependence.com

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

ROCK HILL, S.C. - The Charlotte Independence are excited to announce the club will play its May 8 match versus the Richmond Kickers at Winthrop University’s Eagle Field as a partnership with the Carolinas’ Kickin It Challenge, a local youth soccer tournament and auction that raises money for the fight against breast cancer. 

“We are grateful for the tremendous support we are receiving from The Carolinas' Kickin It  Challenge and Winthrop University,” said Independence General Manager Tom Engstrom. “The Winthrop University soccer stadium is a great atmosphere to watch a professional soccer game. We are excited to be a part of this event and hope to partner with it for years to come.”

The Carolinas’ Kickin It Challenge is entering its second year in York County and is well on the way to surpassing its 2014 fundraising total of more than $60,000 for Komen Charlotte and Carolina HealthCare System’s Levine Cancer Institute. The Independence has committed to donating $7,500 to the cause and will present a check during halftime on May 8.

“The Carolinas’ Kickin It Challenge is thrilled to host the Charlotte Independence on May 8 at Winthrop University as part of our entire weekend of events all geared toward raising money for breast cancer patient programs and research across the Charlotte region,” said event co-Founder Shana Shivel. “We look forward to partnering with the Independence for the first time to bring professional soccer to the area for our tournament players and fans to enjoy.”

More than 70 top youth club soccer teams from across the Southeast are expected to participate in the tournament, including Rock Hill’s Discoveries Soccer Club. Independence midfielders Alex and Enzo Martinez are alumni of the Discoveries program.

Tickets for the May 8 match will be sold on a general admission basis, starting at $12 each. Individual tickets are on sale now at charlotteindependence.com/tickets/single-game-tickets. However, tournament participants, their family members and groups of 15 or more can purchase tickets at a specially discounted rate. Please call the Independence office at 704-206-1515 for more information.