When the youth schedule was first released earlier this year, the young Revs had no idea that their trip to Brooklyn, N.Y., would be just weeks after a devastating storm. Hurricane Sandy wreaked havoc along the east coast at the end of October, with New York and New Jersey especially suffering significant damage.
In conjunction with the youth teams’ away games against BW Gottschee, parents of U14 player Raffi Barsamian, Nancy and Anthony, coordinated an emergency supply drop at a shelter in Gerritsen Beach.
Youth players and front office members combined to transport and donate three car loads of supplies on behalf of the Revolution, including flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food items and first aid kits.
“Without a lot of fanfare, we wanted to make sure we gathered as many supplies as we could to bring down to one of the areas most affected by Hurricane Sandy,” explained Director of Youth Development Bryan Scales.
“When we got the word out to our Academy families and the Revs front office staff, the response was overwhelming … Being positive role models and being active in the community is something that is very important in the development our young players. We just felt it was important to step up and help in any way that we could.”
Players and staff alike returned with stories of the devastation seen in Brooklyn. But it is efforts like these that continue to bring hope to those affected by the storm. 
For more on how you can help support Red Cross relief efforts, visit
MLS W.O.R.K.S.
on MLSsoccer.com.