Going beyond the game is a trend that many Asheville sports teams strive to meet. Our local athletes are seen as role models to our youth – and how they interact with them makes all the difference.

This past Saturday, UNC Asheville’s men’s basketball team treated a young, local fan to a unique meet-and-greet during the Bulldog’s doubleheader. Coach Mike Morrell reached out to CJ, a sixth grader who has scoliosis, invited him to the game + introduced him to his team. The guys presented CJ with a ball signed by the entire team and hung out with him minutes before they were scheduled to play. 🏀 Watch the video here. We’re not crying, you’re crying. ❤️

This isn’t the only heart-warming act of community involvement for Coach Morrell’s team. During the Christmas season, they went shopping at Target with 40 members of the Boys & Girls Club of Buncombe County – providing each child with $100 to fulfill their Christmas gift wishes.

And they’re not the only sports organization giving back. Between reading to students; visiting Mission Children’s Hospital, retirement homes + camps; and working with students in sports – the Asheville Tourists average between 40-50 appearances a year in the community. With staff + mascot appearances they average about 75 appearances each year. ⚾

Kicking our attention over to Asheville City Soccer Club, their organization offers several programs to benefit our community’s youth. The Just Play initiative broadens access to soccer in our hometown. As part of the initiative, ACSC will donate a ball to an economically disadvantaged youth, support street soccer + pickup games, connect their players + staff with local youth, and offer free + discounted admission to all games for children 12 and under. ⚽ The soccer club has even launched an elite youth developmental program that’s free to youth + their families called the AC Academy.

Know of a sports fan who likes to give back? Click the buttons below to share with them. ⬇️ Bonus: now that basketball season is coming to an end, get excited baseball + soccer fans – Memorial Stadium and McCormick Field are almost ready for ya. 🙌