RENTON, WASH. – Sounders FC, Reign FC and their charitable partner RAVE Foundation today announced their plans to commemorate Latine Heritage Month, an annual recognition that celebrates the diversity of culture and heritage within the Latine community. Running from September 15 through October 15, this year’s efforts include the opening of two new RAVE Foundation mini-pitches in Yakima, participation in Sea Mar’s annual Fiestas Patrias at Seattle Center, a variety of special activations surrounding Sounders FC’s Vamos Sounders Celebration match on Saturday, September 26 against Minnesota United FC on the Emerald Queen Casino Pitch at Lumen Field (5:30 p.m. PT / Apple TV, iHeartMedia Seattle, El Rey 1360 AM) and continued investment in Latine-owned small businesses through Intentionalist.
As Latine Heritage Month begins today, Sounders FC and Reign FC recognize the complexity of the language used. The clubs are committed to supporting individuals of all backgrounds and choose to use the term “Latine” to foster the most inclusive environment for all. Through this gender-inclusive language, the clubs support those who do not identify within the gender binary and acknowledge the intersectional identities held by the Seattle soccer community. While this language aligns with the clubs’ organizational values, fans are encouraged to identify in whichever ways feel most true to themselves.
Launched last year, Vamos Sounders Club is Sounders FC’s free, community-powered fan club created to recognize and celebrate the club’s Spanish-speaking fanbase. Built for those who live and breathe fútbol, Vamos Sounders Club provides a space for fans to express their pride, passion and connection to the Rave Green. Fans can join for free via SoundersFC.com/Vamos-Sounders, with those who sign up ahead of the September 26 Vamos Sounders Celebration match able to unlock exclusive matchday benefits and experiences.
RIDGEVIEW ELEMENTARY MINI-PITCH OPENING – SEPTEMBER 16
Sounders FC, Reign FC and RAVE Foundation kick off this year’s Latine Heritage Month celebrations on Wednesday, September 16 in Yakima with the opening of two new mini-pitches at Ridgeview Elementary School. Featuring one Sounders FC-branded pitch and one Reign FC-branded pitch, the new fields expand access to free play for youth in a predominantly Latine community. The Sounders FC pitch also features the Vamos Sounders Club wordmark, marking the first time the fan club’s branding has been incorporated into a RAVE Foundation mini-pitch.
Wednesday’s festivities begin with an all-school assembly for Ridgeview students, including a soccer ball giveaway for every student at the school. Sounders FC, Reign FC and RAVE Foundation then welcome local families and residents to a free community celebration beginning at 4:30 p.m. PT.
With the opening of the Ridgeview fields, RAVE Foundation has now opened 50 mini-pitches throughout Washington as part of The RAVE 52, its initiative to use soccer as a vehicle to inspire youth and strengthen communities by building small fields for free play, investing in programs that use soccer to support the whole child and removing barriers to participation.
SEA MAR FIESTAS PATRIAS AT SEATTLE CENTER – SEPTEMBER 19-20
Sounders FC returns to Sea Mar’s annual Fiestas Patrias celebration on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20 at Seattle Center. The free two-day community event brings together families, businesses and cultural organizations to celebrate Latin American culture and traditions through food, live music, traditional folk-dance performances and more.
Sounders FC will be onsite throughout the weekend, connecting with attendees and sharing information about Vamos Sounders Club and the club’s upcoming Vamos Sounders Celebration match on September 26. RAVE Foundation joins the festivities on Saturday, September 19, providing youth attendees the opportunity to take part in free soccer clinics from 12:00-3:00 p.m. PT. Participating youth can also receive a free soccer ball, while supplies last.
VAMOS SOUNDERS CELEBRATION MATCH – SEPTEMBER 26
Sounders FC brings its Latine Heritage Month celebration to Lumen Field on Saturday, September 26, when the Rave Green host Minnesota United FC as part of the club’s annual Vamos Sounders Celebration match. Celebrating the club’s Spanish-speaking community, the Vamos Sounders Celebration brings together local artists, organizations, businesses and community members to create a matchday experience cultivated by and for members of the Latine community.
As part of this year’s celebration, Sounders FC is partnering with Aquí Mercado for a special matchday pop-up market featuring Latine and Queer vendors from throughout the region. Beginning when stadium gates open, fans can explore 19 booths highlighting local vendors and community organizations, with offerings including vintage clothing, art and more. The mercado remains open throughout the match and for 90 minutes following the final whistle.
Additionally, Sounders FC has also teamed up with a featured artist to tell the community's story through an exclusive matchday collection, including a poster gate giveaway and limited-edition merchandise, with a special offer just for Vamos Sounders Club members.
Fans are encouraged to join Vamos Sounders Club ahead of the September 26 match to receive the latest information surrounding the celebration and unlock exclusive matchday experiences available to members. Additional details surrounding the club’s Vamos Sounders Celebration match, including further matchday programming and activations, will be announced at a later date.
SUPPORT LATINE-OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES – SEPTEMBER 15-OCTOBER 15
Throughout Latine Heritage Month, Sounders FC is once again partnering with Intentionalist to encourage fans throughout the region to #SpendLikeItMatters and support Latine-owned small businesses.
From September 15 through October 15, fans can upload receipts from purchases made at Latine-owned small businesses through Intentionalist’s Receipt and Receive campaign for the opportunity to win Sounders FC prizes. Every eligible receipt helps the club reach this year’s goal of catalyzing $40,000 in spending at Latine-owned small businesses throughout the region.
Fans can also participate while attending Sounders FC matches at Lumen Field, with purchases made from participating Latine-owned food vendors on matchday eligible for the campaign. More information about the Receipt and Receive campaign is available at Intentionalist.com.
