CYPRESS, Texas – J.J. Watt’s parents surprised nearly 100 Cypress Fairbanks Independent School District students on Tuesday with new soccer uniforms and equipment.
The Soccer Start program at Arnold Middle School is for at-risk sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students.
This year, nearly 90 students on the team have been using worn-out uniforms and goal nets.
On Tuesday, Connie and John Watt showed up to the school with brand-new uniforms for each student, as well as new goal nets, all of it made possible by the J.J. Watt Foundation.
“I mean I was about to cry, I’m so happy about this because this is a great opportunity for everybody,” 13-year-old Vivianna Juarez said.
“It’s awesome because my family watches the Texans games and if you go in our house it’s like J.J. Watt everything!” 14-year-old Julie Chazarreta said.
The school secured the special delivery by applying for a grant from the foundation.
“It means a lot because it was J.J.’s vision when he was a junior in college and so for us to be able to carry out his vision and his mission to give kids a safe place to be after school is really special,” Connie Watt said.
The team typically practices on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
Even though J.J. himself couldn’t be at the school to present the team with their new equipment, his father said he is happy to help.
“He will get a video of this today and he will be absolutely tickled to see how the kids reacted to it,” John Watt said.
To learn how your school can receive support from the J.J. Watt Foundation, click here.