SEATTLE, WASH. – Seattle Sounders FC today announced that the club’s Alliance Council – the elected body representing all Season Ticket Members, also known as Alliance Members, is leading a new Fan-Funded Field effort to take ownership over the funding and construction of one of the fields in RAVE Foundation’s recently announced 26 Fields by 2026 initiative. Through this Fan-Funded Field, Sounders FC’s Alliance Council, supporter groups and fans at large can pledge to fund one of the 26 RAVE community fields, giving fans a meaningful way to give back to the region through soccer, and supporting the Rave Green’s commitment to Defend the Right to Play for youth in communities where access to safe, available play-spaces is scarce.
“When I think about Sounders FC, one of the things that consistently makes me proud is our fans,” said Sounders FC Majority Owner Adrian Hanauer. “Their diversity, their passion, their commitment – not just to supporting the team, but supporting the community. We believe that the 26 by 2026 initiative is going to have a powerful impact in communities through Washington State, and seeing our fans embrace the project so wholeheartedly with their dedication to fully funding one of the 26 fields, demonstrates what makes this fan base so special.”
Sounders FC encourages fans to participate in this effort to bring the 26 Fields by 2026 vision to life. While many key donation opportunities will be publicized throughout the 2022 season, fans can also donate to the Fan-Funded Field at any time at Secure.GiveLively.org/Donate/Rave-Foundation/Fan-Funded-Field.
“So many of our Sounders FC fans have been great supporters and champions of RAVE. We thank them for that support for all our small fields, balls, and programs,” said Sounders FC Vice President of Philanthropy and RAVE Foundation Executive Director Ashley Fosberg. “With this Fan-Funded Field, it is a new opportunity to engage fans and for their support to be forever reflected in our community – a place that celebrates their passion and funnels it to the next generation of soccer players by bringing joy to a community through soccer in tangible and meaningful ways.”
The Fan-Funded Field effort specifically includes funding the investment of a hard surface mini-pitch and futsal court, at a location in Washington State yet to be determined. The goal is to complete fundraising in 2022, with a target date for construction and opening during the 2023 MLS season. Alliance Members will also be able to vote on the naming of the Fan-Funded Field as part of the club’s 2022 General Manager Vote ballot at the conclusion of the season.
“We’re very excited to work with RAVE Foundation and lead the charge for this Fan-Funded Field,” said Alliance Council Vice President Carmen Hall. “The Alliance Council exists to be a voice for the Alliance – our club’s Season Ticket Members – and we are always looking for meaningful ways that we, collectively as Sounders fans, can support the greater community while showing our passion for the Sounders. The 26 by 2026 initiative gives us a great way to do both of those things. We know the difference that having access to these gathering and play spaces can make in a community and we are looking forward to showing once more how Seattle is the true soccer city of the Pacific Northwest.”
Fans interested in donating toward the Fan-Funded Field can do so by using the link provided above with additional opportunities promoted throughout the season. In addition, Tacoma Defiance’s season finale on September 18 against Timbers 2 at Starfire Stadium will be themed around supporting the Fan-Funded Field, with all proceeds earmarked specifically for the campaign, and added elements including a matchday auction featuring Defiance items and experiences and opportunities for post-match player meet-and-greets, halftime activities on the pitch and more. Further information on the process by which fans can secure these experiences through their donations will be shared at a later time.
The Fan-Funded Field initiative is designed around RAVE’s core beliefs:
- Play is not a privilege. It is essential to the growth and wellbeing of all children.
- A dedicated space to play can anchor a community and nurture a child.
- Play fields and corresponding programming provide access and opportunity which are catalysts toward equity.
- Through play, everyone belongs. Children thrive when they have a sense of belonging.
To date, RAVE has built nine fields throughout the region and plans to build seven more in 2022, including two in Yakima at Barge-Lincoln Elementary School. A highlight this season is the expected opening of two small turf fields in NewHolly, a culturally rich, diverse, and thriving Seattle Housing Authority development located between Beacon Hill and Rainier Valley.
More information about RAVE Foundation and the Fan-Funded Field campaign can be found at www.ravefoundation.org. In addition to donations specifically toward the Fan-Funded Field, RAVE also welcomes donations to the general 26 Fields by 2026 campaign HERE.
Any media inquiries regarding the 26 Fields by 2026 campaign, including the Fan-Funded Field initiative, should be directed to Gisselle Pichardo of Sounders FC Communications [GisselleP@soundersfc.com].
