Xcel Football All-Stars, all about charity

U.P. High School Football All–Stars took the time to be all about charity today ahead their big showdown this weekend. It was registration day for the Xcel Football All–Star game.

The U.P.’s crop of stand out athletes take their role seriously and know the importance of using their skills to assist the community and inspire others. Today marked the 7th anniversary of the food donation program, which creates a goal line they say everyone can cross.

“I do feel like a role model, especially playing football since in the fifth grade. People look up to you and you see that and it’s wonderful that kids want to be like that,” said Matthew Edgar, All–Star Game Athlete.

A total of 92 athletes registered for this year’s event. History shows they’ll combine to donate about 800 pounds of food. Organizers say the week of activities leading up to the game is designed to teach more than just lessons on the field.

“Although they are athletes and they are gifted, they have all these special talents and we need to give back to the community so they need to use those talents to give back,” said Todd Goldbeck, Owner, XCel/All–Star Game Organizer.

“I donated some Macaroni and Cheese, Ramen Noodles, a few other boxes of stuff, canned goods. You come to the All–Star game you are suppose to help out. There are people who are less fortunate than you and it’s nice to hand out, just a good deed, just good to do,” continued Edgar.

All of the food collected will go to the Beacon House Food Pantry. If you want to support the player’s efforts you can head to their big game this Saturday. It starts at 3 p.m. under the bright lights of the Superior Dome. Tickets are $5 and proceeds will go to help the U.P. Sports Hall of Fame.