Aidan Bethurem, a 9-year-old soccer player from the Lake of the Ozarks, is capturing hearts nationwide as a quarterfinalist in Sports Illustrated’ s 2025 Youth Athlete of the Year competition.
Voting wrapped up Sept. 18 and Aidan called on his community to rally behind him to secure the prestigious title and a $25,000 prize, which he plans to donate to two meaningful local causes: United Capital City Soccer Club and Lake Regional Cancer Center.
Aidan, a dedicated member of UCC competitive traveling soccer team, already has raised over $28,000 for charitable causes through the SI contest.
After learning of his advancement to the quarterfinals, Aidan shared his heartfelt plan: If he wins, he will donate half of the $25,000 prize to United Capital City Soccer Club to support youth soccer programs and facility development. The other half will go to Lake Regional Cancer Center in Osage Beach, in gratitude for their life-saving care during his mother’s battle with breast cancer.
“Winning this would mean so much to me and my community,” Aidan said. “I want to help my soccer club grow so more kids can play, and I want to thank Lake Regional for saving my mom. Voting for me can make this happen.”
The Sports Illustrated Youth Athlete of the Year competition, hosted by Colossal, also supports two impactful charities through voter donations: the V Foundation for Cancer Research and the Why Not You Foundation. The V Foundation, founded by ESPN and legendary coach Jim Valvano, funds groundbreaking cancer research to save lives. The Why Not You Foundation, established by Russell Wilson, empowers youth through education and leadership programs, fostering opportunity and resilience.
“Aidan’s determination on the soccer field and his heart for giving back is inspirational,” said Tom Chapman with United Capital City Soccer Club. “We’re so proud to see him represent our community on this national stage.”
