Young Athletes, BIG Impact

On September 21st, a group of young athletes traded in their cleats for gardening gloves to make a meaningful difference in their community. The U12 BASA soccer team, along with their families, came together to clean and beautify the Veterans Memorial Park War Memorial—a cherished space that had become overgrown and in need of care.

With determination and teamwork, the volunteers cleared weeds, tidied up the grounds, and restored the memorial to a place of dignity and respect. Their efforts not only improved the appearance of the park but also honored the legacy of the veterans the memorial represents.

This act of service was more than just a cleanup—it was a powerful lesson in community pride, civic responsibility, and gratitude. For these young players, it was a chance to give back and show appreciation for those who served, while working side by side with their teammates and families.

The project was made possible through a collaboration between United Way of Bay County and the Bay City Government, demonstrating the strength of partnerships in creating positive change.

We are incredibly proud of the U12 BASA team and grateful to their families for stepping up in such a meaningful way. Their hard work and heart remind us that no one is too young to make a difference—and that honoring our heroes can start with something as simple as pulling a weed or planting a flower.

Thank you, BASA U12, for showing us what community spirit looks like in action.