A Florida family that went viral last week after their son was kicked out of a soccer match for reportedly being too good at the sport is back in the public eye. On Monday, the mom, Martasia, announced on TikTok that her family had set up a GoFundMe for her 3-year-old son, Nevada, to support his dream of continuing to play soccer.
Nevada has wowed the internet with how skilled he is at the game at such a young age. In multiple TikTok videos shared by his parents, the boy shows off his skills in dribbling, scoring, and even feinting.
However, during a game on Sunday in Winter Park, families of the other players reportedly called the police and had Nevada escorted out of the match. The child’s family said the league notified them that parents from the opposing team were unhappy because their children could not take the ball from Nevada and felt it was unfair.
To Nevada’s family, what was unfair was having their son removed from a sport he loves. On their fundraiser page, Martasia said her son has been in love with the sport since he was a year old. She wrote, “Soccer is more than an activity for him. It is something that brings him joy and excitement.”
Martasia continued, “At just 3 years old, Nevada could not understand why he was being taken away from a game he loved. What should have been a happy childhood moment became heartbreaking and distressing for him and deeply painful for our family to witness.”
The family said that despite what they have faced, they still plan to support him and allow him to grow his skills “in a safe and supportive environment.”
The family requested donations to help cover Nevada’s registration fees, training, equipment, uniforms, and travel expenses, among other things. Their goal is to raise $24,000.
Netizens’ Reaction to the Florida Family’s Fundraiser
Netizens are split over the Florida family’s GoFundMe. Some have welcomed it, saying they are open to supporting Nevada’s soccer journey. Others, however, are questioning why the family is requesting donations from the public.
One person who supported the GoFundMe said, “Just donated. He’s going to be great.” Another wrote, “Came here to support his bright future.” A third commented, “Such a sweet talented young man, I’m so sorry he’s experiencing this at such a young age. Please continue to encourage him in his soccer journey.” A fourth added, “You have my entire support and full heart… I hope to see this kid on a stadium field at the collegiate and professional levels!”
Those who were opposed were just as vocal. “A go fund me is literally not needed for this situation,” one commenter remarked. Another said, “Alr now yall stretching it.” Someone else asked, “What’s money have to do with it?”
Another claimed the parents might spend the money raised through the fundraiser on themselves instead. “Too bad the kid will never see anything the money buys,” they said.
As of this writing, the fundraiser appears to be gaining momentum. In less than 24 hours, the GoFundMe has reached more than 80% of its goal, receiving over $19,000 in donations.
