It’s not often that college athletes have time for extensive involvement within their communities. However, the ISU Men’s Soccer Club is one exception.

The club has teamed up with the Ames Soccer Club, a youth soccer program, to expand the sport in Ames. As part of the deal, the ISU Soccer Club members help out the youth program in exchange for partial use of their field.

In addition, the families of the Ames Soccer Club are adopting players for one-on-one sessions with their kids.

“[The ISU Club members] go to a family and they teach their kids soccer,” volunteer Head Coach Sandro Bassanini said. “In return, they get a dinner and hopefully the family makes a donation to the program.”

During the season, the 25-member team competes in a league against other university-based clubs around the Midwest. The matches at ISU are held on the fields behind the Maple-Willow-Larch dormitory. Last season the ISU Soccer Club won their division and placed third at the regional competition. From there they advanced to the National Finals in Florida.

Despite the successful season, the club is “in the red” after large travel expenses, according to Bassanini. As a result, the squad has had little publicity and has remained one of the best-kept secrets on campus.

“They’re working real hard, trying to raise funds and trying to make it not all come out of dues because we don’t want to discourage participation,” said Bassanini, who is in his first year as head coach.

Club Treasurer Greg Velasquez reported that although money is tight, things are looking up.

“Our coach is a lot more enthusiastic about fundraising,” he said. “It’s looking promising this year.”

The club needs more than just money. Volunteers are needed to fill the positions for trainer, team manager and fundraising coordinator. Bassanini said the club is willing to do just about anything.

“We’ll volunteer them to do anything. We’ll wash cars or windows, or we’ll serve meals,” he said. “We need help.”

Vice President for the club, Travis Laird, said the team would be in even worse shape had it not been for Bassanini, who volunteered to coach the club this season.

“We need him this year,” Laird said.

The club was started for those ISU students interested in playing competitive soccer. Bassanini estimated that the club has been active for fifteen years.

“The club has a long tradition at the university,” he said.

Aside from their efforts within the Ames community, there are other aspects of this team that make it unique. Four different nationalities are represented on the club. Sophomore goalkeeper Greg Velasquez said combination of all walks of life is something to behold.

“It’s an interesting mix when you throw it all together,” said a laughing Velasquez. “We get a lot of jokes in – nationality competitions I guess.”

Despite the diversity of the club, it’s not hard for the members to work together. “It’s actually pretty easy,” said Velasquez. “Everyone wants to accomplish the same thing.”

“I think the greatest thing is that we’re all out there because we like it,” said Bassanini. “Nobody’s forced to stay and you just have a good time with it.”

“They’re a fantastic team,” said Bassanini. “I’ve been involved in soccer, and there’s a lot of skill there.”

Persons interested in more information can contact Bassanini at 296-1554 or visit www.stuorg.iastate.edu/soccer/.