Soccer Tournament to Benefit Local Kid Fighting Cancer

Contribute by Kathleen Ulrich:

Santa Cruz County FC Revolution board members, teams, and families will host a fundraiser soccer tournament this weekend, Dec. 15 and 16 for Erick Rivas, a Santa Cruz soccer player who has been diagnosed with cancer. 

Erick is an 11-year-old soccer player who loves the game of soccer. He has been playing all his life. Erick’s father, Belseth, is a devoted and well-loved youth soccer coach in Santa Cruz and vice–president of FC Revolution Soccer Club. In recent months, Erick has been losing weight and complaining of aches and pains. His mother has had to reduce her work hours to care for Erick and take him back and forth to doctor’s appointments.

Friday night, Dec. 7, Erick and his family received diagnosis of spinal cord cancer. Testing is continuing at Lucille Packard’s Children’s Hospital (Stanford). Due to this sudden and devastating diagnosis, his mother will not be able to work, and his father may only be able to work part time at best. They will stay by Erick’s side during this difficult time.

“This is the sweetest, most hard-working family," longtime family friend and board member Margaret Price said. "Belseth has devoted hundreds of volunteer hours to the community. I know the Santa Cruz soccer community will come together to help the family.”

FC Revolution is hosting the fundraiser this weekend to get needed funds to the family before holiday camps and tournaments make the fields unavailable. Teams entering the tournament are asked to donate $200 - $400 per team (or $20 - $40 per player). Tournament organizers have set a goal of three games per team. Bounce houses will be available for younger children. All proceeds from concession stands are going to benefit the family. Raffle tickets will be sold by the soccer players. Donations of prizes are welcome. 

“Erick is so brave and such a great kid," said Judy Lee, whose son plays soccer with Erick. "The diagnosis is devastating, but Erick is young. We’re all just praying for a miracle. The goal of the tournament is to provide some needed financial support for the family and to let Erick know that the Santa Cruz Soccer Community stands with him as he fights the battle of his young life."

More information about ways to donate and updated schedule of field locations and game times can be found on the tournament website. Anyone interested can also erickrivasfundraiser@yahoo.com.