New face signed with Sporting KC to make his 11th birthday wish come true

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (KCTV) – A face many fans may not know was signed to Sporting KC as he faced his favorite players to make an 11th birthday wish come true.

On Thursday, October 3, Sporting Kansas City welcomed its newest player, number 24, Miles Smith, who just turned 11 years old. Miles joined the Victory Project and Make-A-Wish Foundation at Sporting KC's practice field for a birthday surprise.

Miles, an elementary school student from De Soto, suffers from an endocrine disorder. The National Institutes of Health noted that endocrine disorders can affect the thyroid, pituitary gland, adrenal glands and pancreas, meaning growth, development, metabolism, mood and more could be affected.

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

The enthusiast was invited to watch the team train to kick off the day's activities. What he was most looking forward to was meeting his favorite player, club captain Johnny Russell. As the excitement grew, Miles showed off a bit of his own skills.

After practice, the team gathered around Miles as all of his favorite players sang “Happy Birthday” to him, including Russell, Joaquin Fernandez and William Agaba. Miles even impressed the team captain with the height and distance at which he could shoot the ball.

Media and club members streamed into the Compass Minerals National Performance Center as head coach Peter Vermes took the podium. He answered questions about the final game before Miles was invited to another special surprise – a very personal contract signing.

To cap off the day's events, Miles and his entourage made their way to Children's Mercy Park, where he received a unique private tour of the locker room and facilities before his first game on Saturday.

Although Miles is not expected to play in the game between Sporting KC and LAFC, he will beam through the crowd in his newly signed jersey. Both teams are scheduled to take the field at Children's Mercy Park at 7:30 p.m.

Victory Project leaders said the organization was founded in 2017 as Sporting Wishes. In early 2024, they decided to increase their presence in the community by partnering with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

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