Photos courtesy of Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County. Photo collage created by Cecilia Lopez

For the 70th year, The Optimist Club of Greater Fresno will once again host the City-County All Star Football Game this Friday, with proceeds going to support the Boys and Girls Clubs of Fresno County.

The classic game of “urban vs. rural” will feature local high school seniors showcasing their skills one final time before heading to college or the workforce and creates an environment that allows athletes who have competed against one another for years to play side by side.

This year’s game will take place on Friday, June 21 at 7:30 p.m. Gates open at 5:30 with tickets available for $12.

The primary event sponsors are Johnson Supply Inc. and T1 Sports Academy.

“Our sponsors and I believe in giving all youth opportunity and fun. The All Star Game is the perfect way to do that because the players have fun, knowing they are giving back to a youth serving organization,” said Sandra Dee Chaney, Director of Community Relations & Special Events for Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County. “Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County is celebrating 75 years. That means this game is as much of a staple in our community as they are.”

Since hosting the inaugural game 70 years ago, The Optimist Club of Greater Fresno has raised more than $600,000 for the local Boys and Girls Club.

The tradition started in 1955 and is the brainchild of Thomas J. “Soup” Caruthers and Mike Chupich. Initially hosted in Ratcliffe Stadium, the game strayed from its City vs. County roots over the years; in 2011, the All Star Game returned to its original City vs. County format and has remained this way ever since.

Coaching the teams for the city and county are McLane High School coach Andres Pancotti and Kerman High School coach Damon Jenkins respectively.