G.O.A.L program launched, local students can earn free tickets to 2018-19 Tropics games

LAKELAND – Students throughout Polk County will spend some of their time in the coming weeks reading and studying hard in the hopes of seeing the Florida Tropics SC in person during the 2018-19 Major Arena Soccer League season.

The Tropics, along with SunCoast Federal Credit Union, will be sponsors of the team's second annual G.O.A.L (Growing Outstanding Academic Leaders) Program this year,  which rewards students in all grade levels with free tickets to a regular season game of their choice.

G.O.A.L stands for Growing Outstanding Academic Leaders. More than 40 Polk County schools will receive their program materials this week, meaning students can start going to work to earn their tickets for the Tropics season opener on Saturday, Dec. 1 when they host South Central division rival St. Louis Ambush in a 7:05 kickoff at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland.

In fact, at some schools, youngsters have already met their goals and gotten their rewards. Program ticket vouchers can been redeemed at the arena box office up until kickoff any game day, with the home season running through early April.

“We are excited to begin this partnership and step into our role as the Official Credit Union of the Florida Tropics. Being able to utilize this opportunity to reward students for accomplishing their reading objectives through the G.O.A.L Program is something we are proud to take part in,” said Kevin Johnson, CEO of Suncoast Credit Union. “Supporting local communities and the education systems are top priorities, and we believe the Florida Tropics’ G.O.A.L Program exemplifies those values.”

Each school can decide how best to use the program to their advantage. Most elementary schools use it as a reading incentive, and students receive Tropics bookmarks to log their progress. At higher levels, schools use G.O.A.L to reward “A” and “B” report card grades. Once a particular goal is attained, students earn a voucher good for two free Tropics tickets to the game of their choosing.

"We are thrilled to partner with Suncoast Credit Union for this community initiative. From day one, we've always said that making the Tropics a community asset both on and off the pitch was a priority for us, and programs like G.O.A.L reinforce that commitment," Tropics CEO Dr. Panos Iakovidis said.

For more information on the G.O.A.L Program or the Tropics, including season tickets and single-game tickets, go to www.fltropics.com, or call 863-240-0101. BOGO Tickets are available for the home opener here: https://squareup.com/store/fltropics/item/home-opener-bogo