Greenville, S.C. - Furman University and its men's soccer program will host a soccer extravaganza this Friday, April 15, at Stone Stadium from 10:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. to benefit the victims of last month's earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

Teams comprised of Furman students, staff and faculty will be playing soccer throughout the six-hour marathon with a cookout set to be held at the field from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Among the highlights of the extravaganza will be a game featuring Furman coaches and athletic department staff beginning at 11:30 a.m. Furman University President Rod Smolla is scheduled to play as university staff takes to the pitch at 12:30 p.m.

"We feel like the soccer extravaganza is a fun way for Furman Soccer and the entire Furman community to come together and help the victims of last month's Tsunami in Japan," said Paladin head coach Doug Allison. "Hopefully this event will give everyone a chance to meet and connect with others on campus and provide an opportunity for the Furman family and Greenville community to reach out to those in need.

Anyone wishing to make a donation can contact Carly Hughes in the Furman Athletics Department at (864) 313-3341 or see Nancy Cooper in the University Center on the Furman Campus. Donations will be sent to the American Red Cross to be used in aiding the victims in Japan.

If you wish to play in the extravaganza or sign up your student, staff or faculty team to play, contact Carly Hughes. T-shirts for the event are available for $10. They will be on sale at the extravaganza or can be purchased by contacting Hughes.

In January of 2010, Furman's soccer program put together its first soccer extravaganza which raised money for the earthquake victims in Haiti.