Charity Kickball Tournament Hosted By SPCA At FredNats Ballpark

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — A charity kickball tournament comes to Fredericksburg on Saturday, April 24. The tournament will take place at the FredNats Ballpark, and all charities will benefit the Fredericksburg SPCA.

Spectators will be welcome at Saturday's tournament, which is scheduled to run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Concessions will also be available for sale at the stadium.

Erik Bremer is the manager of broadcasting and media relations for the Fredericksburg Nationals. "As thrilled as we are to welcome fans to our first FredNats home game on May 11, events like the SPCA tournament are just as rewarding in their own way," he said. "We can't wait to kick some grass, or artificial turf in our case, and raise money for a worthy cause."

Von Young is the marketing and communications manager with the Fredericksburg SPCA. "Our partnership with the Fred Nats began when they first arrived in town," she said.

"They were interested in giving back through volunteer opportunities with the Fredericksburg SPCA," Young said. "We, of course, had to stop by with arms full of puppies to give them a true Fred SPCA welcome."

Nick Hall is the general manager of the Fredericksburg Nationals. He noted that involvement with organizations like the SPCA is a vital part of the team's plans in the area.

"Having non-profits and amazing organizations, like the SPCA, use our stadium as a platform for fundraising and messaging is just one of many ways we plan to be involved in our Fredericksburg community," Hall said. "This amazing stadium is here In Fredericksburg for so many more reasons than just baseball."

Tyler Stephens is the coach of the Rappahannock Rugby Football Club. He will be competing at Saturday's kickball tournament with "the One Kick Oneders," a team made up of rugby teammates and friends.

"I think all of us on the team wanted to take part in an event that positively benefits the well beings of animals still looking for their forever home at the SPCA," Stephens said. Stephens and some of his teammates volunteer with the SPCA as fosters, or through their Adventure Tails program.

"I can’t possibly speak more highly of our SPCA than I already do. What they do for animals in our community is nothing less than amazing," Stephens said. "They bring in and save the lives of animals from all over our region and country."

Stephens said he didn't know what to expect from Saturday's competition, but he and the rest of the One Kick Oneders are looking forward to it. "As long as everyone in the team is working hard and having fun, then the event is a success for us!"

The Fredericksburg SPCA said that since they do not receive any government funding, attendance at events like the kickball tournament help them stay afloat. "Everything that we can accomplish is because of our fabulous donors and wonderful supporters who come to events like these!," Young said.

More information about the Fredericksburg SPCA is available on their website. They are currently recruiting volunteers for several roles, including foster families who can provide a temporary home for their animals.