Revolution veteran Andrew Farrell in the spotlight for his community outreach work

Boston Globe

4 days ago

Farrell is the first athlete to be featured in the 'Celebrating Impact' series, a collaboration from Audi, Major League Soccer, and The Players' Tribune that launched July 1.
Farrell is happy to represent the Revolution.
'I didn't grow up here but being here so long, it's kind of my second home,' he said.
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Farrell's adoptive parents Hunter and Ruth have been the inspiration for his dedication to helping others, lessons he learned growing up in Louisville, Ky., and South America.
Hunter served the Presbyterian Church as its World Mission director from 2007 and 2016. Their work included moving to Peru,
Farrell's upbringing translated to the field. Revolution coach Caleb Porter described Farrell as one of the best players Porter has ever coached.
'He's a legend, obviously, on the pitch. But off the pitch he's always had a legacy that's huge as well,' Porter said. 'In a year where he's not playing a lot, he's still as positive as ever.'
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Farrell, who has the most starts in franchise history, is with the Revolution in a player/coach role, a contract he signed after the 2024 season. He works as an assistant with the Revolution Academy. He has appeared in the Revolution's two US Open matches this season.
Off the field, Porter volunteers with the Animal Rescue League of Boston, participates in hospital visits, lead's the club's anti-racist organization C.H.A.N.G.E., and assists in the Special Olympics.
For Farrell, his empathy is the biggest motivator in staying present in civic engagement.
'We're all going through something, and to just be able to be there for each other and help can be amazing,' he said.
He explains it as 'meeting people and coming where they are.'
Part of his outreach work — the work featured in his Players' Tribune story — is with the Jessie Rees Foundation, which supports children fighting cancer.
At several Revolution home games, Farrell helped host local youth and their families for a memorable matchday experience.
Moving forward, Farrell plans to continue being a public servant, well after he retires from the pitch. His vision for the Revolution is find more ways to get involved with youth in Boston and youth soccer programs across New England.
'Even if I'm not part of the team anymore,' he said, 'its something I want to keep in reach.'
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