Sporting Club announced on Friday the launch of The Victory Project, a new community-driven foundation that will meaningfully and tangibly impact children with cancer in the Kansas City region.

“We want to give to the community that has shown us such enthusiastic support. We chose to focus on cancer because so many of our fans and associates have been impacted by it.” says Robb Heineman, Sporting Club CEO.

A key component of The Victory Project is to raise funds to address specific needs of individual children undergoing cancer treatment, where those needs are not supported by insurance. Donors will have the unique opportunity to know exactly how their funds are being used, and for whom. All funds raised will go directly to helping these children, who are here in Kansas City.

In addition to raising money, the organization hopes to provide encouragement to children in their daily battles with cancer. At each Sporting Kansas City home match, Sporting Club welcomes a special guest affected by cancer, and their family, to the Victory Suite at Sporting Park and recognizes the individual in a special pre-match ceremony.

In conjunction with today’s Victory Project launch, eight-year-old Xander will be in attendance. Xander is experiencing blindness in one eye and severely diminished vision in the other eye as a result of a brain tumor. Fans will be asked to work toward a fundraising goal of $3,000 to purchase a Topaz CCTV, a special magnifying device that will help Xander complete his schoolwork. This device is not covered by his family’s insurance.

In order to maximize the impact of The Victory Project, the initiative will be strategically aligned with like-minded local organizations that are committed to providing assistance to children with cancer in the community. At launch, The Victory Project has partnered with the First Hand Foundation, Supporting Kids Foundation and Children’s Mercy Cancer Center.

“We are grateful to our partners, who are helping us identify children that can benefit most from our assistance. Together, we are fostering a generosity movement that unites Sporting Kansas City fans, players and staff. We hope many, many people will join the movement. It’s exciting to think about what’s possible,” says Heineman.

In order to impact as many individuals as possible within the community, The Victory Project will raise funds for those fighting cancer through donations contributed in-stadium and online, and partner contributions. In addition, Sporting Club will offer support to local events through funding and player appearances.

For more information on The Victory Project, visit VictoryKC.org or contact Community Programs Manager Brandi Thomas at 913-235-2101.