Friends team up to help out less-fortunate girls play soccer

BY ED WRIGHT
June  24, 2010, 3:15 p.m.

  In a lot of ways, Anna Turnbull and Madi Lewis can relate to a lot of teen-aged girls who live in Honduras, a poverty-stricken republic located in Central America.

  They're young, healthy and love to play soccer.

  However, unlike their Honduran peers, Turnbull and Lewis have never lacked for top-notch soccer equipment and an opportunity to play the sport they're so passionate about.

  The realization of their good fortune is one of the things that has spurred the long-time friends to develop "Soccer Dreams For Honduras", a fund-raising effort that they hope will raise equipment and money for equipment that will be distributed to a Honduran girls soccer team early next year.

  "I love soccer and growing up I 've always had an opportunity to play with good nets, nice cleats and good soccer balls," said Turnbull, a sophomore-to-be at Canton. "I want to try to give the girls in Honduras the same kind of opportunity I've had. I think it would be special if we can help them out."

  "We've always played for good teams and we've had the chance to visit high-class places through soccer," added Lewis, a sophomore-to-be at Plymouth. "It's nice to be able to help out girls who love the sport like we do, but don't have the chance to play because they don't have the equipment."

  Turnbull didn't hesitate to commit several hours of her summer to the cause once she learned of the endeavor.

  "My mom heard about it from a pastor she works with and we told Madi about it," said Turnbull. "We both thought it would be a fun thing to do."

  The duo printed and distributed fliers and set up drop boxes Canton High School's Phase 3 facility.

  "We're also thinking about forming a three-v-three soccer tournament and inviting players from different clubs to play, then donating the money we raise to 'Soccer Dreams For Honduras'," said Turnbull. "The pastor is going to deliver the equipment and money we collect to the Honduras in February, so we have some time."

  Turnbull and Lewis are collecting all kinds of soccer-related items - new or gently used - including soccer cleats, soccer socks, shorts, water bottles, bags (drawstring or back-pack style) and soccer balls.

  For more information or to find out how to make a donation, contact Anna Turnbull at (734) 748-9084; or Madi Lewis at (734) 649-6253.

  Ed Wright can be reached at (734) 453-1980 or info@plymouthcantonsports.com.