Varsity Soccer Team Comes Together for Captain, Who's Fighting Cancer

On Saturday, Aug. 13, the Long Beach varsity girls soccer team held a fundraiser in support of senior and team captain Valaria Catrambone, who is being treated for cancer.

Members of the community and district, along with other guests, gathered at Long Beach Middle School to participate in a successful and enjoyable event. Close to $15,000 was raised in donations for Valaria, with proceeds still coming in.

The effort was organized by Varsity Head Coach Tara Gubelli and parents Mary Conway and Janine Posada. Approximately 30 members of the varsity and junior varsity girls soccer teams, joined by coaches Rachel Ray and Larry Lopez, volunteered to run the registration booth and sell raffle tickets, T-shirts, bracelets and food.
As a highlight to the day, the Albertson Soccer Club’s Albertson Fury and coaches ran a youth soccer clinic for children of all ages, with stations that featured soccer tennis, a penalty shot contest, juggling and other fun athletic challenges. There was also a surprise visit from members of the New York Flash professional women’s soccer team, who signed autographs and spent time with the younger athletes.

The Long Beach Football Club was a co-sponsor of the event and State Senator Todd Kaminsky presented $3,000 on behalf of the Long Beach High School Class of 1996. Special thanks goes out to the many local businesses that donated raffle items and and all those who came out to be part of this meaningful and action-packed day.

Photos: Long Beach Public Schools.