The Hope College women's and men's soccer teams are teaming up to support Van Andel Institute's biomedical research and science-education efforts.

The Flying Dutch and Flying Dutchmen are hosting a Purple Community doubleheader on Saturday, Oct. 15, at Van Andel Soccer Stadium.

Kickoff is noon for the women's game against Albion College and 2:30 p.m. for the men's game against Olivet College. Both Hope teams will wear purple Hope jerseys that feature the names of loved friends or friends on the back.

On Wednesday, Oct. 12, the "Huge Show" will broadcast statewide from the press box at Van Andel Soccer Stadium.

Women's and men's soccer head coaches Leigh Sears and David Blahnik will talk with host Bill Simonson about the Purple Community doubleheader. Two Hope student-athletes will appear as well.

The "Huge Show" will air locally in Holland on 99.7 FM/1450 AM WHTC and in Grand Rapids on 96.1 FM The Game. Find the show online on the Michigan Sports Radio Network.

On Saturday, there are additional Purple Community events planned throughout the soccer doubleheader at Van Andel Soccer Stadium.

Fans are encouraged to donate to Hope's Purple Community effort. Give today.

Proceeds will go toward an internship for a Hope student at Van Andel Institute and fund Van Andel Institute's biomedical research and science-education efforts.

Van Andel Institute Purple Community is a grassroots fundraising program whose dedicated volunteers support VAI's mission of improving the health and enhancing the lives of current and future generations.

Purple Community volunteers host dozens of events each year that raise critical funds to support groundbreaking research into diseases like cancer and Parkinson's, and science education programs at the Institute.

Established in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1996 by the Van Andel family, Van Andel Institute is now home to more than 400 scientists, educators and support staff, who work with a growing number of national and international collaborators to foster discovery. 

Institute scientists study the origins of cancer, Parkinson's and other diseases and translate their findings into breakthrough prevention and treatment strategies. Our educators develop inquiry-based approaches for K–12 education to help students and teachers prepare the next generation of problem-solvers, while our Graduate School offers a rigorous, research-intensive Ph.D. program in molecular and cellular biology.