For a lot of Team IMPACT matches, their friendships mean more than just being names on the roster. Through their teams, they join a family. This is no different for seven-year-old Elias who has been a member of Southwestern University Men’s Soccer since 2024.
Elias lives with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, but this does not slow down his energetic and bubbly personality in the slightest. When he joined the team in 2024, he quickly became a beloved member. Whether he is attending practices or cheering from the sidelines at games, Elias found a community that welcomes him with open arms.
The most influential figure in his experience is his teammate, Raghav.
Over the past two years, Raghav has become much more than a teammate to Elias. The pair has grown a relationship both on and off the field, their friendship rooted in fun, consistency, and support. They may train together, but Raghav always makes time off the pitch as well.
Elias understands the importance of the small moments in a friendship just as much as the big moments.
“He is my friend and he makes me laugh,” he shared.
Sometimes, it is just that simple.
Whether they are coloring, playing card games, or just spending time together, Raghav’s presence has become an important part of Elias’ Team IMPACT experience.
“Raghav has been an amazing guy with Elias and his brothers,” Elias’ family shared. “Not only is he a great player but a great friend for the last two years.”
The friendship extends beyond Elias and the team. From the moment they matched, Southwestern Men’s Soccer extended their family to include not only Elias, but his brothers as well.
When the brothers arrive on the field, the whole team embraces them with open arms, often clapping and cheering upon their arrival. These small moments may seem insignificant, but they create an environment where the family feels celebrated, valued, and a true part of the team.
The connections between the family and team are especially apparent in Elias’ nomination video for Raghav, where the brothers joined in to create a drumroll before announcing his name. The video captures the joy and spirit of the pair’s friendship.
Raghav has shown that being a teammate is more than what happens within the ninety minutes of the game. It is about spending the time building relationships and creating an environment where every team member feels special, and like they belong.
For Elias, this made all the difference in the world.
Most importantly, Raghav has given Elias something that every child deserves: a friend who makes him laugh, includes him, and reminds him that he belongs.
And for Elias and his family, this impact will extend long after the final whistle blows.