The Seattle Sounders’ new primary kit speaks to the heart of the club's longstanding commitment to community.
Named the Evergreen State Kit, it is an ode to the spirit, color and culture that embodies the Sounders and the club’s deep roots throughout Washington. It’s also a homage to the commitment and efforts of RAVE Foundation – the club’s charitable arm – in bringing more access and equity to the sport of soccer to the state.
For over a decade, RAVE Foundation has been committed to finding ways to support underserved communities through the power of soccer. Through the investment of mini pitches across the state of Washington, the non-profit has been able to provide marginalized youth with opportunities to learn the sport, build connections and engage in physical activity that fosters health, wellness and joy.
“RAVE Foundation was started by [Sounders Majority Owner] Adrian Hanauer way back in 2013 after he saw pocket parks and small, free play soccer fields all over the globe, and noticeably did not see those here in the United States” said Sounders & Reign FC Chief Impact and Fan Engagement Officer & RAVE Executive Director Ashley Fosberg
What began as three mini pitches built in 2019, has turned into a 52-field plan by the end of 2026. Following Seattle’s successful bid to host 2026 FIFA World Cup matches, RAVE launched 26 Fields by 2026, an initiative that scaled RAVE’s free play commitment statewide, using momentum of the world’s biggest sporting event coming to our state.
“We were invited to join the local organizing committee of 2026 FIFA World Cup Seattle as their legacy partner, a natural partnership based on our aligned commitment to leave our state with more access to play after the World Cup events,” said Fosberg.
With the help of communities, stakeholders, and municipalities in the Pacific Northwest, 26 Fields by 2026 gained traction quickly, with RAVE reaching its goal two years ahead of schedule in 2024.
A massive achievement worth celebrating, the foundation was still not finished. Upon the early completion, RAVE doubled the goal to 52 by the end of ‘26 — and with 42 mini-pitches already finalized in January, the non-profit will have no problem accomplishing this feat.
“We had met our goal of 26 because of the momentum it gained, because of the World Cup amplification, because of the energy around it, because access to play is profoundly meaningful for kids and communities,” said Fosberg. “We continued to have more support and more communities in need than we could have imagined. And so, we made a distinct choice to keep going. We said, ‘Okay, we built 26 fields and continue to serve thousands of kids and families that surround them, but we're not stopping.’”
In recognition of these efforts, the Sounders are honoring RAVE Foundation and its work on the 52 Mini-Pitch campaign through the Evergreen State Kit’s design and the club’s Purpose Beyond the Pitch initiative.
RAVE Foundation’s commitment is imprinted on the kit. A silhouette of Washington State made with 52 ‘sparks’ is emblazoned on the neckline of the back of the jersey. Additionally, the Sounders will donate up to $50,000 to RAVE Foundation from the first 30 days of Evergreen State Kit sales, which will support the nonprofit’s efforts to continue to build play fields and use soccer as a vehicle to inspire youth.
“The Evergreen Kit launch is an ideal moment for Sounders to recognize and affirm their commitment through RAVE,” said Fosberg. “To have the foresight to put the 52-star image on the back of the kit was brilliant, and it was a decision the Sounders made more than two years ago.”
And as fans wear the primary jersey in support of the Sounders, the hope is they see it as more than a cool, new design to the club’s brand. The Evergreen State Kit is a symbol of the club’s promise to expand free play across the Evergreen State.
“I hope [fans] are proud to know that their club has made a deep commitment across the state of Washington to build free places to play for kids who need it most,” said Fosberg. “I want them to understand that each one of those dots on the map represents 1000s of children. Although our physical investment is the field itself, our long-term commitment is to the people in the communities they inhabit. That’s what our Legacy is truly about.”
