Friends of Sun Metro explosion victim organize soccer tournament to raise funds

After a man suffered life-threatening injuries from the Sun Metro operation center explosion, his friends decided to organize a soccer tournament to help raise funds for his family.

German Garcia was flown out to Phoenix, Arizona to a burn unit on Feb. 11 and remains in critical condition.

As of Friday, a GoFundMe organized by family friend Daphne Flores has raised $28,709 out of their $50,000 goal to help Garcia's wife with medical and travel expenses and other daily needs.

But his friend Carlos wanted to help out more.

He organized "Torneo Fuerza German," a soccer game on Sunday, Feb. 23 that raises money from participants and all proceeds with go to Garcia and his family.

It requires a $200 registration and so far they have six teams registered -- each team has about 11 to 12 people, five on the field while the rest are substitutions.

They welcomes ages 13 and up.

The flyer says they will hand out a trophy and medals to the team that wins first place, and medals only for second place.

The teams are also co-ed, with a minimum of 1 girl or woman, and 1 boy or man per team.

The trophy will be created by Meza Trophies and Plaques who told Carlos it'd be free of charge.

"I just hope that they get, everyone together to help support the family," said Isabel Gamez, owner of the shop. "And for the family to know that the community is behind them, to help support them in any way we can."

The tournament will take place at 480 Talbot Ave, Canutillo, Texas.

Tennis, running and turf shoes are allowed, cleats are not.

For information on how to register, you can call 915-701-7640.