Aspire Health and Montage Health Foundation hosted Healthy Youth Field Day, in partnership with Monterey Bay FC
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Monica Sciuto, monica.sciuto@montagehealth.org, (831) 622-2756
MONTEREY, CA — On May 19, 2025, Aspire Health and Montage Health Foundation hosted its third annual Healthy Youth Field Day in partnership with Monterey Bay Football Club at Cardinale Stadium, bringing together 150 elementary students and their teachers for a morning of active, hands-on wellness education. Schools and the students attending have implemented Aspire Health’s type 2 diabetes education which promotes healthy habits as a key takeaway.
Now in its third year, the event is built around the 5-2-1-0 healthy habits model—5 servings of fruits and vegetables, 2 hours or less of recreational screen time, 1 hour or more of physical activity, and 0 sugary drinks. Students will rotate through interactive learning zones that include fun soccer drills, creative art projects, team relays, and movement challenges—all designed to make healthy choices both fun and memorable.
A special highlight this year: all Monterey Bay FC players took part, joining students on the field for soccer-based activities and group engagement—a favorite part of the day that’s sure to excite and inspire the kids.
“This event is about more than just teaching healthy habits—it’s about celebrating the teachers, schools, and communities that make wellness part of everyday learning,” said Matt Morgan, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Aspire Health. “We’re grateful to see so many local partners working together to support Monterey County students.”
Among the participating schools was Los Padres Elementary, where 3rd grade teacher Esmeralda Rivas was recently honored with Aspire Health’s 2024 Star Wellness Champion Award for her leadership in promoting student wellness and meaningful impact she’s made in her school community. Her class is one of just six classrooms selected to participate in this year’s Field Day, which includes schools as far south as Greenfield.
“This year’s Healthy Youth Field Day isn’t just about celebrating healthy habits among our youth—it’s also about recognizing the teachers who help shape them every day in the classroom. Our everyday heroes,” said Morgan.
Healthy Youth Field Day was created to address Monterey County’s high rates of type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, which affect more than half of local residents—well above the national average. By introducing healthy habits early, Aspire Health and Montage Health Foundation aim to reduce those numbers and support a healthier future for local families.
The event developed and operated by Aspire Health is made possible by grant support from Montage Health Foundation and the continued partnership of the Monterey Bay FC and Montage Health’s Kids Eat Right Program.
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ASPIRE HEALTH
In collaboration with Montage Health and Salinas Valley Health, Aspire Health is committed to inspiring every individual to live life to the fullest. Our mission is to improve the health of all by bringing together people, providers, payers, and community partners to promote wellness and deliver the best possible care. We help people find solutions to overcome barriers to good health — financial, emotional behavioral, and clinical — so they can be more active, more independent, and more in control of their health. Learn more at www.aspirehealth.org.
MONTAGE HEALTH FOUNDATION
Montage Health Foundation is a nonprofit organization that inspires and coordinates philanthropic support for Montage Health programs that advance healthcare excellence and strengthen community health. Montage Health Foundation supports the work of Montage Health through grant-making, volunteerism, and philanthropic partnerships with community members and like-minded organizations. Find more information about Montage Health Foundation at montagehealthfoundation.org.
MONTEREY BAY FC
On February 1, 2021, the United Soccer League (USL) announced that Monterey Bay Football Club (Monterey Bay FC) joined the USL Championship for the 2022 season. The club plays on the campus of California State University, Monterey Bay and privately invested millions to upgrade the existing facilities of what is now known as Cardinale Stadium to bring the venue’s capacity to 6,000. Monterey Bay FC. is led by Owner and Chairman Ray Beshoff and President Mike DiGiulio. Beshoff, alongside a dedicated group of local investors, revealed the club’s official crest and colors in July 2021; a crest that was designed by and for the regional community. The club’s soccer operations are led by technical director Simon Dawkins and head coach Jordan Stewart. Learn more about Monterey Bay FC at montereybayfc.com.
