The Newtown Parent Connection, Inc (NPC), a nonprofit organization serving the community of Sandy Hook and Newtown since 1993, is collaborating with the town’s premier soccer team, Newtown Pride, in a fundraising initiative.

The mission of the Newtown Parent Connection is to educate and empower the community in the prevention of substance abuse and to embrace families in crisis. NPC officials note that they recognize now, more than ever, the need to embrace all families, especially those impacted by the traumatic events of 12/14. The organization has expanded its vision to build and finance a permanent wellness, prevention, and recovery support infrastructure for young people and families in the Newtown community.

According to the NPC, people who have been exposed to traumatic events, such as 12/14, are at higher risk for adverse behavior, depression, mental illness, and substance abuse problems as time passes.

Newtown Pride soccer has offered to help NPC raise funds to support its new endeavor. Newtown Pride will play a series of exhibition games against professional and semiprofessional teams.

The first event, May 5 Soccer Benefit Day, will be held at Newtown High School’s Blue & Gold Stadium, and feature a game against the Real Boston Rams SC, an affiliate club of the New England Revolution. It will include a Newtown High School alumni game featuring John Ball, a Newtown graduate and professional player. Prosto SC from the Connecticut Soccer League vs. CFC Azul from the Player Development League will compete. Activities will start at 2 pm with an NHS alumni game, Prosto SC at 4 pm and the featured Newtown Pride game at 6 pm.

Admission is free, but tax-deductible donations made to Newtown Parent Connection, Inc are welcome. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. The Newtown Pride is a premier team playing against seasoned professionals.

The Newtown Pride FC men’s soccer team will take on the Massachusetts Premier team in the second round of the US Open Cup tournament, at Newtown High School on Sunday, April 21 at 3 pm. Admission is free.

For more information on the Newtown Pride soccer team and their upcoming games, visit www.facebook.com/newtown.mens.soccer.

For more information about Newtown Parent Connection, Inc, visit www.newtownparentconnection.org.