Taylor Twellman, an all-star forward for the New England Revolution, wants to make an even bigger impact off the field and in the community than he has on the field during the last eight years in Boston.
Twellman - the 2005 Major League Soccer most valuable player and a member of the U.S. Men's National Team - has formed "Taylor's Team," a charitable initiative in conjunction with the New England Revolution, New England Revolution Charitable Foundation and the world-renowned Children's Hospital Boston. "Taylor's Team" will officially launch at the Revs' May 3 game against the Houston Dynamo.
Twellman will host several patients from Children's Hospital and their families at Gillette Stadium at 10 Revolution home games this year. Each game, Twellman's guests will go on the field for pre-game warm-ups, and then be escorted to a luxury suite to take in the game. After the game, Twellman will visit guests in the suite, and each child will take home a goodie bag filled with gifts from Twellman, the Revolution and various other sponsors of the program, including many of Twellman's personal sponsors.
"I'm really proud of this program and excited to see it launch," Twellman said. "It's so important to receive exceptional care like you get at Children's Hospital, and I know how something little like this can cheer you up and brighten your day. I hope that I can bring a smile to the kids' faces when they come to Gillette Stadium."
"The Revolution is pleased to support Taylor and his work with Children's Hospital Boston," New England Revolution Chief Operating Officer Brian Bilello said. "The team has a long-standing relationship with the hospital, and we're delighted to be able to assist Taylor pursue this program. We believe a lot of children will be touched by his efforts and want to do everything we can to support him."
"Children's Hospital Boston is honored that a world-class athlete like Taylor has chosen to create this special program for our patients," Carola Cadley, Children's Hospital Trust Associate Vice President, Corporate Development and Marketing, said. "This partnership will bring great joy to the kids and their families who have overcome tremendous medical odds."
Twellman, who has scored more goals (99) than any player in MLS since he entered the league in 2002, has volunteered his time extensively to Children's Hospital in the past, and wanted to make a bigger statement in support of the hospital and its patients.
"Children's Hospital is doing cutting-edge research to treat and cure children's illnesses and doing incredible work," he said. "Every time I visit, it's amazing to see the love and care that the hospital's patients receive, even during difficult times. I hope 'Taylor's Team' provides an opportunity for some of the patients, for a few hours at least, to take their mind off of what's going on in their day-to-day lives and enjoy a soccer game with their friends and families."
Twellman is the Revolution's all-time leading scorer and his 99 career goals rank fifth in MLS history. He is on pace to become the youngest player in MLS history to score 100 goals.
For more information on Taylor's Team, or to make a donation, visit www.childrenshospital.org/giving.
