Mission Extended: Why Holy Gears Sponsored a Soccer Team

At first glance, robotics and soccer might not seem like they go together. One is all gears, code, and competition fields. The other is cleats, turf, and goals. But this year, the Holy Gears proudly stepped up to sponsor a local soccer team — and here’s why it matters.

⚙️ Building More Than Robots

Our mission has always been bigger than just engineering machines. The Holy Gears are about building people — students who are strong in teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving. Those same values show up on the soccer field just as much as they do in the robotics lab.

⚽ Community Connection

By sponsoring a soccer team, we put our name out in the community and remind families that All Saints Catholic School is a place where academics, athletics, and STEM all thrive together. For many families, the soccer field is their first introduction to who we are. If a bright orange Holy Gears jersey sparks curiosity, that’s a win.

🛰️ Raising Awareness for STEM in Alpena

Here’s something most people don’t know: All Saints is the only school within 50 miles offering a dedicated STEM program for grades 1–8. Many families in Alpena are surprised to learn that robotics and engineering opportunities exist right here. Sponsoring a soccer team is one way to change that. Every time a parent asks, “What’s Holy Gears?” we get the chance to share our story — and possibly spark a student’s interest in STEM.

💡 Investing in Our Future

Every sponsorship is an investment in visibility and opportunity. Robotics may be our core, but if we want kids to see themselves as future engineers, coders, and inventors, we need to show up in the spaces they already love — and for many kids, that’s the soccer field.

🌟 More Than Money

Some people might ask, “Why spend money sponsoring a sports team when we’re a robotics club?” The answer is simple: because our mission is to build the whole student, not just the robot. Sponsoring a soccer team is another way of saying: we’re here for kids, we’re here for families, and we’re here for Alpena.

At the end of the day, whether it’s gears turning or goals scored, it’s all about teamwork, grit, and community. That’s why we’re proud to see Holy Gears on the soccer field this year.