Bright white tennis shoes with the traditional black Adidas stripes recently walked out of the America First stadium on the feet of more than 650 Midvale Elementary school children.

It was part of America First Credit Union’s Warm the Soles tradition to supply thousands of children in Utah and neighboring states with new shoes. 

It’s the second time America First has partnered with Real Salt Lake and the Utah Royals to bring a morning-long experience to the students, complete with a tour of the stadium, locker rooms and pitch; meeting professional soccer players, Santa and Mrs. Claus and Leo, RSL’s mascot, and enjoying lunch together.

Last year, 340 pairs of shoes were given to Copperview Elementary students in a similar fashion. Both elementaries are Title I schools in Canyons School District.

Midvale Principal Carolee Mackay said 100% of the students receive free breakfast and lunch; 60% of the students come from low-income families.

“We have a lot of students who are experiencing homelessness; this makes such a huge difference for them to receive these shoes,” she said.

Mackay unveiled bit by bit to the students over weeks about the field trip, starting with getting to tour the stadium and meeting players.

“They did not know they were getting shoes; that was a surprise when we got here,” she said. “Already, they were screaming and jumping and falling all over each other, so excited that they were going to be able to come see the stadium. I’ve had kids every day thank me for letting them come on this field trip.”

America First Senior Vice President of Human Resources Kent Streuling said the excitement of the kids was felt by everyone involved.

“This is the best way to start Christmas season is to see the joy and the happiness on their faces,” he said. “Christmas brings out the best in people.”

But for Streuling as well as the players and others who were involved, it means more. It’s serving the community and giving of their time, resources and compassion, he said.

“There's always somebody who is less fortunate than you. If you look at it from that side and know you’re helping lift people by giving, it makes service rewarding. It makes your heart feel good,” he said.

RSL defender Philip Quinton agrees it’s a special opportunity to give to the students.

“To see the look on the kids’ faces during this, it’s special,” he said. “It's important for the club and us, as players, to give back to the community, to the fans who support us. The community is everything to the club, it doesn't exist without the city, without the fans, without the people in the area. This community is like your extended family; it’s everyone around you, it's who you are, it's who you grow up with, it's who you spend time around. We're all here together, so it's always important for us to give back to our neighbors and help others in the community.”

Kaysville native and Utah Royals midfielder Mikayla Cluff was lacing up several students’ shoes.

“Doing this makes me happy; it’s really humbling,” she said. “It’s fun to see the joy it brings them and see the smiles on their faces. It’s rewarding to put other people’s needs first and think of others besides yourself.”

RSL Hall of Famer and retired goalkeeper Nick Rimando kept his promise to return to help this year, tying shoes with one arm in a sling from a rotator cuff injury.

“When I was younger, my parents always took me to give food for Thanksgiving, give presents to others in the community,” he said. “We didn’t come from much growing up, but it was the way I was raised, to give back. I knew with my platform playing soccer, I could even do more, and I knew I wanted to stay in the community and give back to those who supported me. When I was here last year giving out shoes, it was cool to see the smiles of the kids who are less fortunate; it was memorable. I told them I’d do it again this year. What’s neat is everyone here is wanting to do this and that means something in itself. It takes a lot for the community to come together, to give these students shoes and a meal, this opportunity to see the field and locker rooms. It’s a beautiful memory for them and us.”

Principal Mackay realized the significance.

“It literally is like Christmas,” she said. “These kids are excited, and they are so deserving of all of this. In the past, Warm the Souls has given about 50 students shoes so for them to be able to provide them for all our students, it’s amazing. A lot of times, people think they need to look in different countries or different areas to provide service; they don't realize their neighbors are ones who need help, and they can serve their neighbors here. We’re grateful America First and RSL are providing this opportunity for us.” λ