Number of Participants: 150
Hours Donated: 4
Value of Time Served: $20,874
Event Amount Raised: $7,825
Event Type: Health & Medicine
Activity: Football
School: Andover High School
Date: September 3, 2026
Location:
Andover High School
Andover Boulevard Northwest, Andover
MN
About:
On September 3, the Andover High School Football team welcomed the Wayzata Trojans to Husky Stadium for its home opener, combining Youth Night and Tackle Cancer Night into a powerful evening of community, service, and support for those impacted by cancer.
With 150 players in the high school football program, Andover’s student-athletes took an active role in the Tackle Cancer initiative both before and during the game.
Leading up to the event, 8–10 varsity players volunteered approximately four hours each at a Tackle Cancer fundraiser hosted by team sponsor Beef O’ Brady’s. Players helped sell Tackle Cancer shirts, assisted with games, and supported other fundraising activities.
On Tackle Cancer Night, an additional 25–30 freshman and sophomore players volunteered approximately two hours each, soliciting donations from fans and directing attendees to Tackle Cancer apparel sales.
The program also extended the initiative to Andover’s youth football community, involving more than 600 tackle and flag football players. Each youth player received a special Tackle Cancer shirt donated by the Andover Football Association and joined together to form a tunnel for the high school players as they took the field. By incorporating the effort into Youth Night, Andover gave its youngest athletes an opportunity to be part of the cause while seeing firsthand how football can be used to support others.
The custom Tackle Cancer shirts also carried a deeply personal message. Each included a space for participants to write the name of a loved one or a message reflecting how cancer has impacted their lives, creating a visible reminder of the many families touched by the disease.
Funds raised benefit the Randy Shaver Cancer Research and Community Fund, which supports cancer research, prevention, treatment, and patient assistance programs throughout Minnesota.
Although this year’s fundraising is still underway, Andover Football has a strong history of supporting the cause. Last year, the program donated $7,825, and the Huskies hope to build on that impact this season.
By bringing together high school players, more than 600 youth athletes, families, coaches, and fans, Andover Football turned one night under the lights into something much bigger than a game — showing the next generation of athletes that being part of a team also means showing up for your community.
