A summer tradition is taking place this weekend at the Westfield High School soccer field.
The Shamrock Charity Challenge is in its 11th year, and features eight boys soccer teams playing in friendly competition, all while raising money for an outstanding cause. The Challenge benefits the Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, and has raised over $100,000 for the facility since 2009.
Former Westfield boys soccer coach Myron Vaughn created the event, and comes up every year to serve as its director. Vaughn said that being able to continue the event “is really special.”
“We’ve gotten to see some good soccer so far, so we’re looking forward to the rest of the weekend,” said Vaughn.
The games had to be adjusted due to the excessive heat. Teams were playing 20 minutes periods, then would go inside to Westfield’s MPIF room for 10 minutes in order to cool off and get refreshed. Vaughn said the goal is to “maximize field time and rest time ratios,” and everything has been working out well.
“Referees that have been here have done a great job, kept up the play with the heat and everything,” said Vaughn.
In addition to the soccer, the athletes get a chance to see their contributions to the hospital in person. On Thursday, a group of players went down to PMCH, another tradition, one which Vaughn said is done each year the day before the Challenge begins. Players get to meet some of the patients and tour the facilities; Vaughn said it gives them “a little bit more of a tangible effect to what they’re doing and raising money for. And as always, it had the right effect and the players were able to see and understand a little bit more of what it is we’re doing and why we’re doing it, which is the whole purpose.”
Some of the hospital improvements have come from money raised by the event.
The Shamrock Charity Challenge runs through this weekend, although the continued heat wave may alter the schedule. The public is welcome to attend all games.
The Westfield boys soccer team is hosting the 11th annual Shamrock Charity Challenge, which raises money for the Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital. The Challenge has raised over $100,000 for the hospital since 2009. The Shamrocks (white shirts) are pictured playing a game with Guerin Catholic. (Richie Hall)