This video story produced and reported by Leo Santos. Anchor by Hannah Halili. Web editing by Malachi Callwood.
After seeing the impact that COVID-19 could have on a community, Tampa Bay Rowdies defender Forrest Lasso, wanted to bring the community together in more ways than just soccer.
Lasso saw an imminent need to launch a program to help those around him when a global outbreak left the world uncertain of what was to come next.
“Regardless of whether you may ask for it or not, I think everybody in this world could use a helping hand,” said Lasso. “So, I saw my ‘Play For More’ initiative as a way to do that.”
Lasso has been on six other teams before joining the Rowdies. Over his seven-year career, he has gained many fans due to being on a variety of teams and wanted to give them a voice. Lasso asked his fans which organizations and charities they felt needed the most representation. After getting feedback, Lasso used his platform to support those in need.
He raised money to help the physical and mental health of the LGBTQ+ community, provide homeless animals with food and shelter and raise money for childhood cancer.
Every Saturday, Forrest obtained money through soccer games and uses the earnings for his “Play For More” initiative. Right now, there are a total of 32 different charities that Lasso has impacted, both nationally and internationally with the goal of making his community better.
“I woke up one day and wanted to play for other people,” said Lasso. “I want to play for, obviously, myself, my teammates, my club, my community – but I also wanted to help other people in need.”
Lasso is involved with about 12-13 charities in the Tampa Bay area and also with international charities.
“It’s all about helping as many people as we can,” said Lasso.
Lasso said he wants to broaden the net and getting as many people involved so a wider audience can be reached. Lasso plans to keep this initiative going for the remainder of his career. Through social media and and by word of mouth, Forrest hopes it builds up more traction so the whole Tampa Bay community can pitch in. He said there is no limit on the amount of money he hopes to raise.
“My goal was to raise around $10,000 over 32 games. I thought it was feasible. Obviously, we’re maybe a little bit behind the bar right now, but that’s all right,” said Lasso. “We still got a lot of games in front of us. But, honestly, it’s uncapped.”
Play For More isn’t just about the charities and all of the people they’re helping. Lasso believes it’s about doing more, being more and pushing oneself every chance they get. He knows none of this would be possible without the fans, so he said it’s important for those with a platform to set a good example.
Lasso makes it his mission to visit the local charities that he is playing for, such as the YMCA and SPCA. It’s always important to see who and how you’re helping, according to Lasso. He believes that one of the best ways to give back is to give time and effort to the people and things that are important.
“There’s a lot of things in the world that probably need fixing,” said Lasso. “We all can’t fix it at once, but we can try fix it one step at a time.”
To pitch in and donate to local charities, visit Forrest Lasso’s Twitter.
