Since 2019, the Philadelphia Union has partnered with Boeing, Liberty USO and Battleship New Jersey, to host the Battle of the Branches ahead of Military Appreciation Night.
The event is a 5v5 mini-soccer tournament that takes place at the Battleship New Jersey and provides a competitive but fun-filled event around the beautiful game.
Ahead of the club's Military Appreciation Night in July, Philadelphia Union worked with the USO Pennsylvania and New Jersey Center to invite 15 active military personnel/veterans and their families to practice.
In addition to getting to meet the team all of the Union's invited guests were surprised with tickets for the match along with the newest selection of Union memorabilia, which included a green military edition hat and tee.
Ahead of the Union's Military Appreciation Night the Union invited a group of expecting mothers, their significant others, and children involved in local USOs to take part in what they believed would be a tour of the stadium and an exclusive opportunity to watch the Boys in Blue prepare for their weekend match against New York City FC.
Instead, upon arrival, they were greeted with quite the surprise – waiting in the Tunnel Club was a Union pregnancy shower, complete with new team gear, a basket of baby gifts, and of course, a brunch spread.