The historic State Theatre in Modesto is set to become a hub of international excitement this summer as it hosts a World Cup watch party with a charitable twist.
Organizers say the gathering aims to raise funds for youth soccer scholarships, tackling the steep financial barriers that keep many children from stepping onto the field.
A community‑driven solution to rising costs
Tickets for the event are priced at $35 for adults and $12 for children, a modest fee that organizers hope will attract a broad audience while generating essential support.
Recent data reveals that only half of families earning under $50,000 annually have children who participate in organized sports, compared with a much higher rate among higher‑income households.
Nick Dennehy, one of the event’s lead organizers, points to a dramatic rise in youth soccer expenses, noting that the average family now spends nearly $1,000 annually on the sport, up from just over $500 a few years ago.
He adds that children from low‑income families are three times less likely to join traveling teams, a disparity that the scholarship fund hopes to narrow.
The fundraiser will feature a silent auction, with donations solicited from local businesses and soccer clubs, providing a platform for community members to contribute beyond ticket sales.
Sponsors such as Collins Electrical Company, Pacific Coast Sales, Dennehy Dental Supply, Fiscalini Farmstead, George’s Steakhouse Bar & Grill and the Standard Pub have already pledged their support, underscoring the region’s commitment to youth development.
Beyond this World Cup edition, Dennehy envisions expanding the initiative into a recurring program, aiming to secure steady funding that can open doors for even more young athletes in the valley.
The effort reflects a growing recognition that access to sport should not be dictated by income, and that local venues can play a pivotal role in leveling the playing field.