Encinitas Express soccer team scores big for Shades of Pink Foundation California

A spirited team of young athletes from the Encinitas Express Soccer Club turned their hard work on the field into heartfelt community impact, raising $865 in support of Shades of Pink Foundation California. The team’s donation will help provide gift cards for groceries, fuel, and household essentials to women across San Diego County who are actively undergoing breast cancer treatment, according to a news release.

Vembra Holnagel, founding board member of Shades of Pink Foundation California, visited the team to meet the players and their coaches and to take the photo above. Holnagel reported being deeply impressed by the girls’ curiosity, enthusiasm, and compassion.

“They asked thoughtful questions about how their donation would be used and who it would help,” Holnagel said in the news release. “Their kindness and engagement made it clear that they truly understood what it means to make a difference — even at such a young age.”

According to Coach Crystal, who leads the team, these 9-year-old players are part of Express Soccer Club’s Phase One 7v7 competitive program, which typically includes about a dozen athletes.

“Our girls have shown tremendous growth and dedication this year,” she explained in the news release. “Express conducts annual tryouts to evaluate player development and readiness for our competitive program. Many players start in our fall Recreational League and continue building skills through year-round camps and clinics.”

Coach Crystal noted that this fall season, the team played 12 games and finished first in their group, while also competing in four summer tournaments — earning finalist (second-place) honors in three.

“They consistently demonstrate hard work, positive attitudes, and a love for the game,” she added in the news release. “It’s an outstanding experience for everyone involved.”

For Shades of Pink Foundation California, the team’s gift represents more than a donation, it reflects the power of community and the next generation’s compassion in action.

To learn more about the foundation and its mission to support local women in breast cancer treatment, visit www.shadesofpinkfoundationca.org.

More information about the Encinitas Express Soccer Club can be found at www.encinitas-soccer.org.