READING, PA (June 11, 2018) – Reading United’s match on Tuesday June 12th  against Lehigh Valley United will be special. It’ll be special not just because an undefeated Reading United side host their in-state rivals Lehigh Valley United for the tenth time. The evening will have added meaning as Reading United A.C. will be celebrating In Ian’s Boots Night, where local fans are encouraged to donate gently used shoes and sneakers to the help families in need.

In Ian’s Boots was created in memory of Ian Joshua Miller. On January 16, 2010, Miller was killed in a sledding accident while on a Boy Scout trip. The name of the organization comes from what was found in the snow boot Ian was wearing when he passed, a small note with a typed passage from the Bible that read, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

In Ian’s Boots was founded not only to help collect snow boots, but soccer cleats and other gently used footwear. Ian loved the game of soccer and was the goalie for the Coventry Red Storm Soccer Club. He had been playing soccer since the age of 4 and in the fall of 2009, was accepted as a goalkeeper in the indoor training program for the Olympic Development Program.

Ian’s mother, Holly B. Wastler-Miller is looking forward to the event that celebrates her son’s legacy. “Reading United has supported In Ian’s Boots almost from the inception of the charity. This is particularly meaningful to us because Ian loved all sports, but soccer was his passion.  He would think that this partnership is beyond cool,” she said.

Wastler-Miller added, “For the eighth year in a row, a representative from In Ian’s Boots will be doing the first kick.  It is always a fun time for us and we hope that people attending the game will come away with an understanding of how much we care about our community and the world.”

Reading United General Manager George Gadebusch is proud of his club’s partnership with In Ian’s Boots. "Reading United has been touched by the story of Ian Miller and is proud to partner with the organization his parents founded in order to provide shoes and boots to those in need.” Gadebusch continued, “We’re now in the eighth year of our partnership, we expect that our fans throughout the Reading community will come together to generously donate their gently used shoes to this tremendous organization, helping the Millers achieve their mission of providing shoes to this wonderful cause.”

Fans are encouraged to bring their gently used footwear to the match against Lehigh Valley, with representatives from In Ian’s Boots accepting the donations at the gates of Gurksi Stadium. Kickoff for Reading’s match against Lehigh Valley is set for 7:00pm and tickets are available at www.readingunitedac.com/tickets.