Fearless 43
Philadelphia Union started Fearless 43 in 2019 with the number coming tied to the number of children diagnosed daily with cancer. For the last five years the Union have partnered with Kisses for Kyle to work with 43 childhood cancer patients in the greater Philadelphia area on a special project.
2025 Fearless 43 Celebration
On September 20th, 2025 while Philadelphia Union faced off against the New England Revolution the club hosted Kick Childhood Cancer Night where the 2025 Fearless 43 were honored.
Before the game, front office staff placed Fearless 43 flags in every seat of Subaru Park to set the stage for unique moments throughout the match. During the pregame processional, yellow smoke and pyro erupted in the stands and on the pitch. Saturday's drum striker was tied to the cause as well, with Kristin Ford of the Kellan Ford Foundation getting the match started. Throughout the match, the Boys in Blue wore special numbers on their kit with the names of the Fearless 43 Class of 2025.
At halftime, the Fearless 43 took to the field and were cheered loudly by a sellout crowd with bubbles pouring out from The River End as each warrior saw their photos and names on the videoboard along with a special tifo from the Sons of Ben.
2024 Fearless 43 Celebration
Ahead of Philadelphia Union's 2024 Kick Childhood Cancer contest, the Union held a campout at Union Yards to celebrate its latest Fearless 43 class.
During the event on Friday night, our Fearless 43 and their families got to take in a movie under the stars and much more. Prizes were aplenty for each member of the Fearless 43, receiving gift bags packed by the Philadelphia Union players' wives and girlfriends that included their custom designed pajamas. The pajamas were special for 2024 with Fearless 43 alumni Parker Ford, Kenzie Stanton, Elliott Slocum and Jack Cianfrone designing the special yellow pajamas in support of Kisses for Kyle. The group included elements that represented being a part of the Fearless 43, the club, and what they believe in.
In addition to face painting, balloon art, smores and Phang hanging out with the kids, Subaru also provided each participant with a care kit for more family moments and one of the softest pillows a family could own. One of the big highlights was the surprise appearance of Union players Leon Flach, Oliver Semmle and Kai Wagner who provided a donation to Kisses For Kyle.
2023 Fearless 43 Celebration
On September 16th, 2023 while Philadelphia Union faced off against FC Cincinnati the club hosted Kick Childhood Cancer Night where the 2023 Fearless 43 were honored.
The night kicked off for the group with a special pregame tailgate at Union Yards where our superheroes met some of the biggest heroes in the Universe before heading inside to take in the match. Alina Gall kicked off the match as the drum striker that got the entire stadium ready to welcome the Boys in Blue to the pitch.
After taking in the first half, all 43 were invited onto the pitch for the crowd to show their support which was highlighted by a special River End tifo and bubbles.
Following the match each of the Fearless 43 exchanged bracelets and other items with a member of the Philadelphia Union along with autographs and memories they'll cherish forever.
Heroes Unite! Fearless 43 Come Together For Superhero Training
Fearless 43 members were joined by their Super Siblings and parents to take part in five superhero themed games that created smiles and memorable moments for everyone in attendance. Up first was a test of leadership; the kids took control the Captain America shield, flinging it to take down targets. Next was super speed, with a mini-game focused on racking up the most amount of points in 20 seconds through a bean bag toss. All superheroes have amazing sight and that was put to the test in the ball pit where the Fearless 43 had to rescue missing civilians before heading over to an accuracy test where they had to toss objects through webs. The final test was that of strength with a brick wall standing between them and the finish line. It was no obstacle at all for the Fearless 43 as they smashed their way through.
Union honor Kellan Ford and Maddie Harris throughout September
During September the Philadelphia Union paid tribute to a pair of Fearless 43 members when playing at Subaru Park with the captain's armband displaying the names Kellan Ford and Maddie Harris as part of the club's Kick Childhood Cancer initiatives.
The armband honored Kellan against rivals New York Red Bulls on Sunday, September 3rd. Following the FIFA International break, the Union honored Maddie when they host FC Cincinnati for Kick Childhood Cancer Night on Saturday, September 16th. September's finale against FC Dallas saw the club honor both Kellan and Maddie with a special armband displaying both their names on September 27th.
Kick Childhood Cancer
Every day, 40 children are diagnosed with cancer, and across all ages, ethnic and socio-economic groups, cancer remains the number one cause of death by disease in children. During the month of September the Philadelphia Union and Major League Soccer intensify the effort to create awareness for children battling cancer, raise funds for research and provide special opportunities both children and adults alike.