New face signed to Sporting KC for 11th birthday wish-come-true

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (KCTV) - A face that many fans may not recognize has been signed to Sporting KC as he came face-to-face with his favorite players for an 11th birthday wish-come-true.

On Thursday, Oct. 3, Sporting Kansas City welcomed its newest player, No. 24, Miles Smith, who just turned 11. Miles joined the Victory Project and the Make-A-Wish Foundation on Sporting KC’s practice field for a birthday surprise.

Miles, an elementary student from De Soto, has an endocrine disorder. The National Institute of Health indicated endocrine disorders can target the thyroid, pituitary, adrenal glands and pancreas which means growth, development, metabolism, mood and more could all be impacted.

Miles is an avid Sporting KC fan, his love of soccer transcends all other sports. Despite the medical challenges he faces, Miles also plays youth soccer.

The enthusiast was invited to watch the team practice to kick off the day’s activities. He was most excited to meet his favorite player, club captain, Johnny Russell. As the excitement built up Miles showed off a little skill of his own.

After practice, the team gathered around Miles as all his favorite players sang Happy Birthday to him, including Russell, Joaquin Fernandez and William Agaba. Miles impressed even the team’s captain with the height and distance he could kick the ball.

Members of the media and the Club began to file into the Compass Minerals National Performance Center as Head Coach Peter Vermes took the podium. He answered questions about the most recent match before Miles was invited up for another special surprise - a contract signing of his very own.

To round out the day’s events, Miles and his entourage headed down the road to Children’s Mercy Park where he was given a unique private tour of the locker room and facilities ahead of his first game on Saturday.

While Miles is not expected to play in the match-up between Sporting KC and LAFC, he is set to beam through the crowd in his newly autographed jersey. Both teams are expected to take the pitch at 7:30 p.m. at Children’s Mercy Park.

Victory Project leaders said the organization was formed in 2017 as Sporting Wishes. Earlier in 2024, they decided to increase their presence in the community through a partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

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