August 14, 2024

On a recent summer afternoon, our young people walked into our indoor soccer facility for what they thought would be their regular weekly match.

Once inside they received a surprise greeting from four semi-professional soccer players from Chicago House Athletic Club. Damian Iamarino, Jasper Waddington, Daniel Hayes, and Monica Hernandez answered questions, discussed their soccer journeys, and then joined our young people in an hour-long game.

“I was very honored to be here and play with them,” Hernandez said. “It was a very fun experience seeing the laughing and the smiles. Everybody had a lot of fun, and it was really nice.”

Founded in 2021 with a mission of “soccer with social conscience,” Chicago House AC fields men’s and women’s squads. The organization believes that winning goes beyond the pitch and into the community. Chicago House AC places a special emphasis on social justice, racial equality, inclusion, and serving the underserved, “and having fun while doing it.” Through philanthropy, service, trophies, and other activities, the Club aims to make their home city of Chicago a better place for all.

“Everything that Mercy Home does for the kids is what we want to do for the community,” Jenn Jarmula, Director of Team Relations and Communications said. “It was a no-brainer to make that happen.”

Chicago Fire Founding General Manager and longtime President Peter Wilt serves as the team’s Managing Partner, President and CEO. During the year, Chicago House plays in the Midwest Premiere League and hosted Mercy Home’s young people for July game held at Loyola University.

“We’re already talking about what we can do to grow the partnership,” Jarmula said.

The visit was a chance for Chicago House to show the community-facing, beyond-the-pitch side of their mission. After the friendly scrimmage with Mercy Home’s young people on Tuesday, players signed autographs and dispensed valuable playing tips to our aspiring young footballers. 

Thank you to our friends at Chicago House AC for this wonderful surprise for our kids!