Monterey Bay Football Club (Monterey Bay F.C.) captain and defender Hugh Roberts’ charity foundation, Footys Got You, has partnered with Salinas Soccer 831 as he continues to make a lasting impact in the community. Since arriving on the Monterey Peninsula, his first move to the West Coast, the Olney, Maryland native has been looking for ways to make a difference.
In fact, Roberts has already worked with local agricultural companies to help giveaway food and has even held a couple of community soccer clinics in Salinas as well. Now, Roberts has partnered with local organization Salinas Soccer 831 and has pledged to raise money for them for the remainder of the season.
“I have been to Salinas Soccer 831’s facility a couple of times myself and have been able to interact with the kids and families out there,” explained Roberts. “I see the need here, I see how big soccer is here, and they are doing things right. They really help the families out, it’s not just about soccer over there. It’s deeper than the game for them and that’s what this is for me. My model has always been that kids can’t be what they can’t see. So my mindset is for these kids to see me and other pros firsthand, to see real life examples of how they can impact their communities when they get a chance.”
At its core, Roberts’ foundation emphasizes that community is bigger and deeper than soccer. It is deeper in that Robert’s believes the opportunity to play professional soccer starts with having the proper food and resources at home, which in turn leads to proper performance on the field. And although Roberts has already begun to impact the community in this way, Footys Got You has now promised to kick it up a notch. For the rest of the season, Roberts will be donating $20 per game, another $20 for every win, $10 for each goal, and $10 for every shutout. Through two games so far, Roberts and those who have pledged alongside him have already donated $525.
“All of the funds throughout this whole year are going straight to Salinas Soccer 831,” he said. “I’ll be tweeting updates on how much I donate and how much others donate because I’m asking others to match me every game. Come to the games live, watch the games on TV, or even if you don’t watch, just follow my social media (@backyardfooty on Twitter, @backyardfootyy on Instagram) and look for my updates on the total that I’ve donated and then either match me or donate any amount that you can. Even if it’s a onetime donation, every dollar goes a long way for these families.”
He continued, “at the end of the day, I don’t do this for the money, I don’t even play this sport for the money. It’s more so about leaving a lasting impact that can affect families positively. I want to help the next generation ball out and live their childhood dreams the way I did.”
With soccer being a pay-to-play sport here in the states, the options are limited for any kids who dream of playing professionally, and while Roberts aims to change that, he wants to provide a cheaper option, at the very least, in the meantime.
“I was very fortunate that my parents were able to provide me with the opportunity to pursue soccer,” Roberts explained. “But there are a lot of kids that can’t even do what I was able to do and won’t be able to do what I am doing now. So, at the end of the day when I am gone, I want these kids to be able to see what I’ve been doing throughout my nine years so far and have a smoother and easier transition to get to where I am right now. It’s all about providing opportunities for these kids and leaving a legacy for them.”
On the pitch, Roberts recognizes that with the club being an expansion team, it is going to be a process to reach the team’s long-term goals. And he appreciates that the fan base understands that as well.
“Just to hear the support, even when we are losing games at home, people are still saying ‘we got you here 100%,’ and that goes a long way. We put a lot of pressure on ourselves to perform for the fans and it’s inevitable to feel like we are letting them down right now. So to have the community behind you saying that they have our backs no matter what, it takes that proverbial monkey off your back and allows you to play more stress-free because you know you have people that love you regardless of the result.”
Roberts continued, “this community shows a lot of love. That’s why I stick around for so long after each game and why I feel it’s so important to make an impact off the field as well. They show us love by even being here and cheering for us through the cold for 90 minutes, so I want to show my love right back.”
