Teens create soccer tournament to benefit American Cancer Society

While many people have lost their battles with cancer, two St. Charles boys have vowed to keep fighting in their honor.

John Raucci and Kyle Rakos, both 14, are the masterminds behind Kicks for Cancer 56, a three versus three soccer tournament created to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

On Saturday, June 27, the Strikers Fox Valley Soccer Club will host the first Kicks for Cancer 56 soccer tournament. It will be held at the East Side Sports Complex, 2N300 Kirk Road in St. Charles. Once more teams sign up a finalized schedule will be created for the tournament.

Both boys are members of the Strikers, a travel soccer team. They were inspired to create Kicks for Cancer 56 after one of their teammates was diagnosed with cancer and lost his fight with the disease last month.

"Kyle and I made up the idea by ourselves. I made up the Web site and we took it to Strikers," Raucci said.

Combining their mutual love of soccer and the number 56, their former teammate's jersey number, Kicks for Cancer 56 was born.

"We were trying to brainstorm ideas to raise money for a tournament that could donate money to help find cures for cancer," Rakos said. "We're asking teams to make their (entrance fee checks) out to the American Cancer Society. One hundred percent of the money raised (by Kicks for Cancer 56) will go to them."

Anyone interested in playing a good game of soccer is eligible to sign up. The cost for a team to sign up is $50.

The only requirements are that there are a minimum of three and maximum of six people on each team roster. Each team member must also wear something that identifies them as part of a team.

Games will be held in a round robin format and each game will last for approximately 30 minutes.

The boys hope Kicks for Cancer 56 will become an annual event, held every year on the last weekend in June.

In addition to setting up Kicks for Cancer 56, Raucci and Rakos, both certified referees, plan on refereeing a few of the tournament games.

Domino's Pizza has agreed to sell food at the tournament and will donate a portion of its profits to the American Cancer Society as well. Maui Wowi will also be present on game day selling smoothies.

The last day to register a team for Kicks for Cancer 56 is Wednesday, June 17. For information, visit kicksforcancer56.com