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A 60-year soccer tradition is getting a new look this spring while benefiting a globally recognized local charity.

Since 1966, ������Ƶ and UC Santa Barbara have faced off in one of the Central Coast’s longest-running athletic rivalries. For decades, the match served as a preseason staple in August. However, with ������Ƶ’s recent transition to NCAA Division II membership, scheduling within the respective calendars became difficult.

To preserve the tradition, the programs are moving the annual matchup to April. The Warriors and Gauchos will meet Saturday, April 18, at 7 p.m. at Harder Stadium for the inaugural Direct Relief Community Shield Game. The event also marks the 60th anniversary of Harder Stadium.

, a Santa Barbara-based humanitarian organization, has delivered more than $10 billion in medical aid globally since 1948. While admission to the match is free, Direct Relief will accept donations to support humanitarian efforts ranging from local clinics to international disaster response.

“The history of these two storied soccer programs provides a powerful backdrop to unite the community in support of a meaningful cause,” said. “We hope this is the first of many matches that bring the local soccer community together.”

The partnership is particularly meaningful for the Warriors, as Direct Relief works closely with , an organization ������Ƶ teams have partnered with for mission trips to Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda.

Over their 60-year history, the teams have played 63 times, with the Gauchos holding a 33-24-6 series lead. Officials noted that moving the game to April ensures both student bodies are on campus, unlike the previous August dates.

“It’s fitting that a community game such as this would also serve to benefit one of our most impactful charitable organizations,” UCSB head coach Tim Vom Steeg said.

Heather Bennett, Direct Relief vice president of community engagement, said the match demonstrates the role sports can play in fighting health inequities, helping “turn the energy on the field and in the stands into meaningful impact.”