The Hope College women’s and men’s soccer teams are teaming up for a special Purple Community doubleheader this fall to support Van Andel Institute and its cancer and neurodegenerative disease research.

Both the Flying Dutch and Flying Dutchmen will wear purple jerseys during September 15 games at Van Andel Soccer Stadium while also playing in honor of loved ones and friends impacted by cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

The women’s Purple Community match vs. Capital (Ohio) kicks off at noon. The Flying Dutch, under the direction of veteran head coach Leigh Sears, are the reigning Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association champions.

The men’s Purple Community match vs. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (Indiana) starts at 2:30 p.m. The Flying Dutchmen will be led by first-year head coach and six-time NCAA Division III national champion Dave Brandt.

Tickets for the Purple Community doubleheader will go on sale next month. They also can be purchased at Van Andel Soccer Stadium prior to the game.

All proceeds from the Purple Community doubleheader will go to Van Andel Institute and help underwrite a summer internship for a Hope College student at Van Andel Institute in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Purple shirts will be available for fans to purchase next month.

This summer, Geordan Stukey, a Hope College senior majoring in biology, is interning at Van Andel Institute.

Van Andel Institute employs more than 330 scientists, educators and staff working to accomplish the mission of improving the health and enhance the lives of current and future generation.

Van Andel Institute scientists are making discoveries and collaborating with scientists and research institutions around the world to move promising therapies into clinical trials. Van Andel Institute also has programs designed to enhance science education across all ages.Purple Community is the Van Andel Institute grassroots community awareness and fundraising program.

Learn more: Purple Community | Van Andel Institute