WILLIAMSPORT -- The Liberty Arena in Williamsport needs more teams to sign up for its first ever 24-hour soccer event.
The BC Bandits, a soccer team from Beech Creek, spent the day off from school practicing their soccer skills at the Liberty Arena in Williamsport.
"I just want to have fun and play hard," said Nicolas Lose.
Some of these little soccer stars have already signed up to play in a 24-hour soccer tournament. Manager Abe Badmus helped set up the event in hopes of raising money for the Special Olympics in Lycoming County.
"It's special to me because my brother who is a little younger than me is a Special Olympics athlete," said Badmus.
100 percent of the proceeds will go towards helping members of the sports organization for children and adults with intellectual disabilities who will also play a game during the fundraiser.
"I think it's a great opportunity for the athletes to come out and showcase and show other individuals our athletes are athletes," said Lester Loner.
Within those 24 hours, coordinators say over 90 teams could play here at the liberty arena. So far just 15 teams have signed up.
"I'm trying to teach them more than just skills of soccer. I'm trying to teach how to give back to the community. I'm trying to teach them how to work well with each other and with other people," said Stephany Hanley.
BC Bandits coach Stephany Hanley hopes the event will help her young players learn what it takes to be a good teammate.
"It don't matter what you look like. All that matters is that you be nice," Nicolas Lose.
The 24-hour soccer event for the Special Olympics is open to all ages. It begins at 9 p.m. April 9 in Williamsport.
