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Not Just a Soccer Team: Huntsville City Football Club Joins Anti-Litter Effort Through Adopt-A-Spot Program

Published on October 22, 2024

As Green Team’s Adopt-a-Spot program continues to grow, the continuous effort to keep Huntsville litter free has added a professional sports team to its roster.

Huntsville City Football Club (HCFC) teamed with Green Team earlier this year to adopt a portion of Leeman Ferry Road near Philip Dotts Drive in the heart of John Hunt Park. The park is also home to the soccer team’s headquarters at Wicks Family Field at Joe Davis Stadium.

three male soccer players in gray jerseys with soccer field in background
HCFC players Joey Akpunonu (left), Tristan Tropeano (center) and Owen Bland participated in a Green Team video promoting the team’s anti-litter efforts.

“We’re always looking for ways to help improve our community engagement efforts, especially here in the John Hunt Park area,” said Chad Emerson, manager director of business operations for HCFC. “One day, I noticed that the Huntsville Sports Commission is participating in the program and thought it was a great opportunity for us to do the same.”

HCFC played its first home game on May 19, 2023, and just completed its second season. Through just two seasons, the soccer team has developed a bond with the city of Huntsville and its fans.

“Our Training Facility and Home Stadium are both located in John Hunt Park, which makes it a special place for HCFC,” Emerson said. “John Hunt Park is one of the best city parks in America so it’s important that we work to keep it a beautiful destination today and into the future.”

Players from HCFC shot a video with Green Team promoting the Adopt-a-Spot program as part of the City’s effort seeking to end litter in Huntsville. Emersons said this is something that will involve not just players but the entire organization.

“Without a doubt,” Emerson said of the soccer’s team’s desire to be part of that movement. “We want to lead by example, and this is a great way to do so.”

And, yes, HCFC wants to see their fans and others in the community to find their own spot to adopt.

“Partnering with the Green Team has been easy and efficient,” Emerson said. “We encourage others to Adopt-a-Spot as we all work to keep Huntsville beautiful.”