Asheville City Soccer Club is proud to announce the launch of the Next Eleven Fund, a new initiative aimed at revitalizing youth sports across Western North Carolina in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. This fund, fueled by 11% of all sponsorship dollars and $11 from each season ticket sold, is dedicated to helping rebuild the infrastructure, provide equipment, and restore access to sports for children in the hardest-hit communities.

Youth sports play a vital role in community recovery, offering children a sense of normalcy, connection, and emotional well-being after a disaster. These programs provide a structured environment where young athletes can regain confidence, process trauma in a positive way, and foster bonds with their peers. For families and communities, youth sports act as a unifying force, creating opportunities for collective healing and resilience.

"As a club, we are deeply connected to this community, and we recognize the power of sports to inspire and rebuild," said Tim Blekicki, Chief Brand Officer. "The Next Eleven Fund is our commitment to ensuring that every child in our region can experience the benefits of play and teamwork, even after such a challenging time."

The collaborative spirit of Western North Carolina shines through in moments like this, with neighbors, families, and organizations working together to restore what was lost. Donations from the Next Eleven Fund will be facilitated and distributed by ACSC throughout 2025 with recipient organizations being recognized at matches throughout the season.

Businesses looking to support this resilience can partner with Asheville City Soccer Club by emailing sponsors@ashevillecitysc.com, and fans can help by purchasing season tickets, available starting this Friday. Each contribution ensures that children across the region can return to the fields that inspire strength, connection, and growth for the entire community.