MARION – Prior to a team practice on the field at Mtn Dew Park, the Calcio Hawks Rush youth soccer club received a $10,000 donation from Oasis Outdoors and the Black Diamond Family of Businesses.

Rodney Cabaness, co-founder of the Black Diamond Family of Businesses said, “ Supporting our local kids has always been a priority to me, and I am happy to be able to help them again this year. I know the coaches and board members at the Calcio Hawks Rush are working hard to grow soccer here in southern Illinois, and I’m thankful we can support them with their endeavor.”

The Calcio Hawks soccer club was established in 1993. What started as one team has flourished into a thriving club with eight teams ranging in age from 6-19 years. In 2022, the Calcio Hawks Rush joined the Rush National Soccer Club to form one of the largest youth club soccer programs in southern Illinois and they also restructured as a 501 (C) 3 not-for-profit, so the club could provide the best opportunity to grow competitive soccer in southern Illinois.

Calcio Hawks Board Member, and Marion High School Boys Soccer coach, Girolamo Intravaia said, “Improving soccer in southern Illinois has been a family tradition of ours for the last three decades. My dad, Mike Intravaia, started the club and my brother Carlo and I want to continue to grow it right here in southern Illinois. We are very appreciative of everything Black Diamond is doing to provide support for the kids.”

Board President Becky Minnis added, “Oasis Outdoors has done a lot to help the club, and we are very grateful for the support they have provided over the last two years. They really cares about the kids in our region, and want to see youth sports grow in southern Illinois.”

The Calcio Hawks Rush are holding 2023 open tryouts for new players ages 6-14 years old.
• Thursday, May 4th from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Mt. Dew Park in Marion
• Thursday, May 11th from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Hawks Training Complex, 600 N. Russell Street, in Marion.