Lansing Common FC’s opening weekend didn’t go as originally planned, but the club and its supporters made the most of the schedule shakeup.
In place of a cancelled matchup against Ann Arbor FC, Lansing Common hosted a Community Soccer Kickoff night, welcoming fans to Eastern Stadium for a few different events.
Giving back to the community
Collecting donations from fans throughout the night, Lansing Common FC raised $1,477 for the Mikey23 Foundation, a Lansing-based charity.
“We improve the lives of young people through innovative education and training in the area of skilled trades,” is part of the foundation’s mission statement. Mikey23 was started to honor the memory of Michael McKissic II, who was shot and killed in 2015.
“Our motto is very simple: instead of picking up a gun to commit gun violence in your community, pick up a hammer and build up your community,” said Mikey23 founder Michael McKissic.
More information about Mikey23 can be found on its website, where you can also donate.
The night’s events
The night started with an open training session, followed by a team scrimmage.
“It was massive for us to get some type of a day together, ” said Head Coach Josh Oakley. “To have an event like this that doesn’t necessarily put the stress on the mental side of things, it was great. … (it) worked out better than I could have ever thought.”
After the 11v11 scrimmage, folks from all over Lansing participated in a celebrity soccer scrimmage. Highlights included goals scored by Lansing Mayor Andy Schor, the Lansing State Journal’s Phil Friend and WLNS Reporter Ian Kress.
The event concluded with a meet-and-greet with this year’s players.
Up next for the Robins
With the matchup against Ann Arbor FC canceled, the Robins’ home opener will now be on May 21. LCFC will welcome Midwest Premier League newcomers Tulip City United SC to Eastern Stadium at 6 p.m. But first, the season officially kicks off with a road game this Saturday, May 14, when Lansing Common FC travels to Pat Patterson Stadium in East Kentwood to take on BiH Grand Rapids as part of the inaugural Grand River Ope!n Cup. Tickets are only $5 and available for sale online or at the gate.