Fill the Stands, WestSiders: Union H.S. Football gets a shot of neighborhood boosterism

With all the rapid expansion happening in our city, it is easy to lose sight of the little activities that make up urban life for so many as we dash off to eat at the hottest new restaurant or sip the coolest elixir from your favorite barkeep.

Lucky for us, a few locals, like Paul Soltysiak and Liz Kamyszek — a couple of community-minded Westsiders, decided to do something about the fact that one neighborhood high school team in our city plays their heart out each week, but the stands are often near empty.

So to Facebook they went and organized Fill The Stands, Westsiders!, what I believe is a wonderful example of engaging community to support our local Union High School football team this Friday night by inviting fellow Westsiders and others to join them in the risers to cheer on these local athletes. 

As you can see from this photo they provided here from a recent game, the kids have very few fans.

So while we might be a nation often decided on a wide range of topics, it is important also to show up for children and support them whenever a need presents itself.

So don a lot of red and be prepared to cheer your best, “Go, Redhawks” from the stands as you join a pop-up community event that is sure to lift not just the kids’ spirits, but yours as well.

The game will be held at Houseman Field at 7 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults.