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#McKennaStrong Celebrated by Independence, Charlotte Community

By USLSoccer.com Staff , 08/23/18, 2:21PM EDT

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Club donates $25,000 to family of Carolina Rapids player paralyzed by boating accident


Charlotte Independence supporters group Jack's Militia hung a banner in support of McKenna Woodhead at the front of their section on Wednesday night. | Photo courtesy Charlotte Independence

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The result didn’t go the way the Charlotte Independence had hoped for on Wednesday night, but the evening was still a celebratory one as the club welcomed the family of Carolina Rapids youth player McKenna Woodhead to the Sportsplex at Matthews and dedicated its contest against defending USL Cup champion Louisville City FC to the young athlete.

Woodhead was severely injured in a boating accident after her jet ski hit a retaining wall on Lake Wylie in June. The 14-year-old suffered paralysis, but on Wednesday there was positive news as she was released from hospital with her family. The Independence donated the proceeds of Wednesday’s game to the Woodhead family, presenting a check for $25,000 in a halftime ceremony, while supporters group Jack’s Militia featured a #McKennaStrong banner at the front of their section at the venue.


Charlotte Independence managing partner Jim McPhilliamy and player Henry Kalungi present the Woodhead family with a check for $25,000. | Photo courtesy Charlotte Independence

“This is something that's really important to this family and hopefully we can do something like this every year for them,” Jim McPhilliamy, managing partner of Charlotte Independence, told local media at the event.

The club also encouraged fans who would like to offer support to the Woodhead family at this time to do so through an official GoFundMe page that had been set up to accept donation.

Here’s a look at a memorable evening as the Charlotte soccer community came together to support one of its own.

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