FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Revolution will host the club’s annual Autism Awareness Day on Saturday, April 11 when the Revs take on Columbus Crew SC at Gillette Stadium. This is the third consecutive season in which the Revs have partnered with Autism Speaks to help raise awareness about the group’s advocacy efforts.

“The Revolution are proud to once again partner with Autism Speaks and to help raise awareness of the great work that they do,” New England Revolution President Brian Bilello said. “Autism Speaks has been on the frontline of research and advocacy for the last decade and it is important for our club to be able to recognize the work that they do in order to help the lives of those that live with autism.”

As part of this year’s event, the Revolution will honor eight-year-old Hunter Smith as their Hero of the Match. A native of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, Smith was diagnosed with autism at the age of two but has seen his condition improve tremendously thanks in large to the services provided by Autism Speaks. A big Revolution fan who plays soccer in his hometown, Smith will be recognized on the field before the game.

Additionally, the club will help raise money for Autism Speaks through a raffle in which fans can win a series of autographed Revolution merchandise with tables located at the top of section 101 and in the Putnam Club at Gillette Stadium. There will also be a series of public service announcements on the stadium video boards and a number of blue-themed elements throughout the stadium.

For more information about Autism Speaks, fans can visit autismspeaks.org. Get tickets to Saturday's match here.