CASA GRANDE, Ariz. – Kelyn Rowe has big plans for 2016.
Winning MLS Cup tops the list, of course. He’s also aiming to establish new career highs in both goals and assists after registering seven and six last year, respectively.
But while the young midfielder has designs on once again being an impact player for the New England Revolution, he also wants to continue making just as big an impact in the local community.
Rowe’s philanthropic efforts have been notable since he arrived in Foxborough back in 2012, from regular visits to Boston Children’s Hospital and Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence, to playing a central role in giving teenage hospital patients a special night at Prom to Remember.
Asked what inspires his desire to give back, Rowe pointed to childhood friend Houston Kraft, now a motivational speaker, leadership coach and kindness advocate.
“He told me, ‘You’re going to have a lot of people looking up to you, so make sure you’re a positive influence rather than a negative,’” Rowe recalled. “That comes on and off the field, of course, but for me it’s a lot about off the field and helping out as much as I can.”
Rowe was first honored as the Revolution’s Humanitarian of the Year in 2014, but he took his efforts to a new level last season with the formation of his own charitable program.
Again with the help and guidance of a personal friend, Rowe formed “Kelyn’s NEGU Crew,” inviting young cancer patients to Gillette Stadium for a special game-day experience with the Revolution, including a postgame walk around the field with Kelyn and other Revolution players.
NEGU is an acronym for “Never Ever Give Up,” the slogan of the Jessie Rees Foundation.
“It happened to be where a college buddy of mine worked for the Jessie Rees Foundation and he said, ‘Hey, I think you’d be good at this and I’d really love your help,’” Rowe said. “It stuck.”
Buoyed by the success of his NEGU Crew, Rowe’s already started planning for 2016, when he hopes to embark upon more new and exciting charitable endeavors. Although nothing firm has been decided just yet, Rowe couldn’t hide his enthusiasm as he hinted towards his next initiatives.
“I’ve done a lot of thinking and a lot of brainstorming,” Rowe said. “We’ve got a couple ideas going which is great. Nothing is set in stone yet; I’m not going to give away any feelers, but we have at least one event this year, hopefully in the summertime, and I’m really excited about it.
“I’ve never planned an event. It’s a lot harder than I expected. But hopefully it’s going to be a great turnout. It’s going to be a lot of fun. That’s what it’s all about.”
