The 2017 MLS Works Community MVP Contest is down to the wire, but you still have time to vote for Seattle Sounders nominee Laura Clise before the deadline ends at 11 a.m. PT on Wednesday, Aug. 2.
Clise joins representatives from the other 21 league clubs in Chicago ahead of the 2017 MLS All-Star Game against Real Madrid at Soldier Field on Wednesday night. One grand prize winner will receive $25,000 for charity and is determined based on a three-week contest window from July 13 – Aug. 2.
Clise is a board member of Athlete Ally, which provides educational programming and tools to foster inclusivity in sports communities, and helped organize Seattle professional sports teams’ joint press conference supporting the LGBTQ community in June.
SoundersFC.com caught up with Laura as she embarks for Chicago:
SOUNDERSFC.COM: How did it feel being nominated for the Sounders' Community MVP?
CLISE: I was incredibly honored to be nominated by two legends in women's soccer: Referee Sandy Hunt and the recipient of the 2017 U.S. Soccer Werner Fricker Builder Award, Mary Harvey. Both Sandy and Mary have contributed so much to soccer and also continue to give back to the global community through soccer. Being nominated by two leaders I respect and look up to meant a great deal to me.
SOUNDERSFC.COM: How does it feel representing the Sounders at the All-Star Game?
CLISE: When I first learned that I would have the honor of representing Sounders FC as their 2017 Community MVP at the All-Star Game, I was speechless. Anyone who knows me will tell you that I am not often at a loss for words. I was simultaneously moved, surprised, and elated!
I care deeply about the work I am able to do through Athlete Ally, and it is amazing to have the opportunity to represent Sounders FC because of what it means that the club chose to recognize a community leader and non-profit partner dedicated to furthering LGBTQ and gender equality.
I appreciate that Sounders FC prides itself on being a leader and ally in the ongoing effort to ensure that soccer reflects our shared values. I also feel a sense of responsibility and am excited to build upon our collaboration to date so that one day the beautiful game truly welcomes all LGBTQ players, officials, coaches, fans and staff.
SOUNDERSFC.COM: Has this nomination helped galvanize support for Athlete Ally?
CLISE: This nomination has absolutely helped to raise awareness of Athlete Ally throughout the Seattle community and beyond. Athlete Ally works on the front lines of education and advocacy for LGBT and gender equality, and it has been amazing to introduce the organization to Sounders FC fans and partners here in my hometown. I look forward to supporting Athlete Ally's continued engagement with the Sounders FC community.
SOUNDERSFC.COM: What are you looking forward to the most in Chicago?
CLISE: In addition to the opportunity to watch world class soccer and cheer on Sounders FC's Stefan Frei?
I can't wait to meet, volunteer alongside and be inspired by the other Community MVP finalists.
SOUNDERSFC.COM: What would a win there mean to you?
CLISE: The past week, in particular, has been challenging and disheartening for the LGBTQ community and its allies. A win in Chicago would be a win for equality and inclusion. Athlete Ally's partnership with Sounders FC reflects our shared belief that sport is a vehicle for empowering and inspiring the broader community to thrive. And yet the unfortunate truth is that bias and discrimination remain a barrier for millions of people, who are denied access to full participation in sport and society based on their perceived or actual sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
Members of the LGBTQ community and its allies continue to fight against discriminatory policies and legislation. A win in Chicago would send a powerful message that Sounders FC and Athlete Ally supporters stand in solidarity with everyone who believes that America, like soccer, is a place for all — no matter who you are or who you love.
I have been a community leader and advocate for LGBTQ equality for 20 years. And in the past five, I have seen leaders in sport like Sounders FC step up and help to slowly shift the cultural tide when it comes to LGBTQ inclusion.
I want to win to celebrate Sounders FC's leadership and alliance. I want to win because $25,000 for Athlete Ally will enable the organization to continue its critical capacity building and advocacy work in partnership with the athletic community. I want to win for closeted athletes and LGBTQ youth who deserve to be a part of a sporting community and society that is welcoming and inclusive.
Equality is a team sport, and as a Seattlelite, Athlete Ally board member, and Sounders FC fan, I am proud to be in the game.
