Sky Blue FC and Nittany Lions to Scrimmage at Heavenly Farms

When the Women’s Professional Soccer team Sky Blue FC visits Heavenly Farms for a preseason game against the Penn State Nittany Lions on Sunday, visitors may get more than just a great game.

Members of the East Brunswick Soccer Club say the scrimmage, as well as other activities involving the club, give young players, and girls in particular, strong role models and a chance to meet people who have the same interests they do.

“When boys are 7 and 8 years old, they can put on Fox Soccer Channel or ESPN and can see people like themselves on the screen to help motivate them, but the girls don’t have that,” said Liz McSpritt, vice president of travel for the soccer club.

Players, families and residents are welcome to attend the event, which will begin at 2 p.m. on Turf Field A at Heavenly Farms. Following the game, players will be on hand to meet fans and sign autographs.

The game is just one event that EBSC does in conjunction with Sky Blue. In the past, players have acted as ball girls, flag bearers, and have escorted players to the field and scrimmaged on the field before games. In addition, next week’s Sky Blue home opener will be known as East Brunswick soccer Club night. East Brunswick's Healther O'Reilly plays for the team and also takes part in a variety of events with EBSC.

“It’s a great opportunity to have people see what the players look like, the players that they identify with playing a game they love,” McSpiritt said about the club's relationship with Sky Blue. “It’s great motivation for them and great inspiration for them.”

Sunday's scrimmage is is the clubs in their final tune up match before the April 10 home opener.  The game will be held at Yurcak Field at Rutgers University at 6 p.m. Sky Blue will be taking on the Philadelphia Independence. 

For more information about tickets to the game contact Liz McSpiritt at ebsoccer.travelvp@gmail.com or call 888-SBFC-TIX.