Take a look at some highlights of the club's activities and involvement in the community of Chattanooga during the month of April.
Chattanooga FC's purpose is to build community through the world's game.
Our mission is to use soccer as a tool to build strong relationships – across age, race, creed and socio-economic status – for the greater good of our city.
The Local Business of the Month powered by EPB was awarded to Briana Garza of Chatt Taste Food Tours (pictured above). CFC midfielder Jude Arthur presented the award to Garza. Created to give tourists an authentic culinary experience by showcasing the flavors of Chattanooga, Chatt Taste Food Tours offers the best of Chattanooga for those visiting the Scenic City for the first or 100th time. Voted as one of USA Today’s Top Food Tours in 2023, this local business’ contributions to tourism and support of the local, vibrant food scene in Chattanooga is why CFC is proud to award Chatt Taste Food Tours their latest Local Business of the Month award powered by EPB. The CFC Local Business of the Month is also supported by BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee and Coca-Cola.
Female Student Athlete Highlight award recipient Sophia Wilson
CFC was proud to present the outgoing and charismatic Sophia Wilson with the Female-Student Athlete Highlight award this month. CFC goalkeeper Jean Antoine was on hand to present Wilson with the award.
Nominated by her aunt, Wilson treats everyone she meets with the same respect and enthusiasm she has for her favorite sport: soccer. She sets a great example of sportsmanship with her CFC Academy teammates and classmates at Hunter Middle School. Wilson’s work ethic and delightful demeanor has awarded this upcoming soccer star with the Female Athlete of the Month award for April. This initiative is supported by the Center for Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics, Academy Sports and Outdoors and Coca-Cola.
Read to Score at Dupont Elementary School with Jonathan Burke
Goalkeeper Jonathan Burke joined Dupont Elementary for April’s Read to Score. Reading some of his favorite books about soccer and teamwork, Burke read to the first, second and third grade classes at Dupont Elementary while answering various questions about being a professional soccer player, moving to Chattanooga and his favorite celebrations. Read to Score is supported by Coca Cola.
Coaching 101 with Community Allied Clubs
CFC’s elite technical staff, led by Sporting Director and Head Coach Rod Underwood, hosted a workshop for members of our Community Allied Clubs. With a dedication focused on growing the world’s game right here in Chattanooga, the interested academy and recreational soccer coaches enjoyed a presentation from Assistant Coach Chris Nugent and Director of Goalkeeping Juan Carlos Garzon. Afterwards the attendees were able to ask our professional coaches about the best drills for ball handling, best defensive maneuvers and how to keep a positive environment even in a loss.
Chickamauga Soccer Clinic supported by Vibrant Meals
Players Jalen James, Callum Watson and Ethan Koren joined Chickamauga Recreational Soccer teams for a free soccer clinic to share their love of soccer to North Georgia. Each player led individual stations to teach the skills of dribbling and attacking. Afterwards, the young athletes were able to ask their favorite players questions before getting their autographs and taking some pictures. CFC Soccer Clinics are supported by Vibrant Meals.
Chattanooga Preparatory High School assistant coach appearance
Chattanooga FC midfielder Luis Garcia Sosa was the celebrity assistant coach for Chattanooga Preparatory High School’s away game on April 22nd hosted by Chattanooga Christian School. Sosa inspired the team with a pep talk before the game and led the team to a victory alongside Head Coach Carlos De La Cerda.
Chattanooga Preparatory Middle School Clinic supported by Vibrant Meals
Chattanooga FC forward Minjae Kwak and defender Robert Screen led practice for Chattanooga Preparatory Middle School in April at Highland Park Commons. Kwak and Screen used their favorite drills from CFC training and focused on the importance of teamwork to succeed in their practice with the middle school teams. CFC Soccer Clinics are supported by Vibrant Meals.
Operation Get Active Tournament Visit
Defender Farid Sar-Sar visited the Operation Get Active end-of-season tournament to be the celebrity head coach for the Brown Academy girls and boys teams, who both took home first place in their respective categories.
Middle Valley Academy Clinic supported by Vibrant Meals
Chattanooga FC players Jalen James, Logan Brown and Jude Arthur hosted over 50 students from Middle Valley Soccer Academy to hone their skills, run some drills and have fun during their Monday afternoon soccer clinic. The players-turned-coaches led drills for the U6 to U10 teams, before signing some autographs and taking pictures with some of their favorite little fans. CFC Soccer Clinics are supported by Vibrant Meals.
Did you see CFC staff in the community this month?
- April 6: MLK Day of Service with the Chattanooga Fire Department
- April 13: Autism Walk with Chattahooligans
