For the record
Breaking records is nothing new in Seattle sports. Think 12s breaking the Guinness World Record for crowd noise. And Sounders FC fans shattering every MLS attendance record in the books (and an average attendance that ranks 27th in the world). I’ll Boom, Boom, Clap to that. Our city’s passion recently pushed the limits in philanthropy as well. On May 5th, The Seattle Foundation’s GiveBIG campaign raised over $16.3 million for over 1,700 local nonprofits. That same day, ‘Give Local’ campaigns stretched nationwide to inspire people everywhere to give. Guess who finished first? For The Seattle Foundation, it truly was a Day of Champions – 39,036 champion donors to be exact. Following this year's successful partnership, The Seattle Foundation and Sounders FC are already scheming for next year and the opportunity for another record-breaking performance!
Mom knows best
Supporters are a huge part of soccer culture and we’re lucky in Seattle to have some of the world’s most passionate fans. But what is the best way to support our beloved team and players? Probably not like this. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Jill Elllis chose a unique group of supporters to prepare the U.S. Women’s National Team for a tune-up match in advance of the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup. The result, Boca got a hefty fine and was ousted from Copa Libertadores. The U.S. Women won 3-0. The conclusion, Mom knows best.
Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you...
Happy. According to Elle Woods. What propels you into a pair of running shoes and out the door? For me, that motivating factor is ever-changing but always present. Good health, competitive spirit, stress relief, testing the limits of what’s possible, etc. – or sometimes I just need to sweat out happy hour. Well, here are three reasons to join the 1,000 participants already signed up for the inaugural Sounders FC Rave Green Run. 1) Running for a cause is more meaningful – portions of race entries go to support Sounders FC’s great community partner, Washington Global Health Alliance. 2) There’s a distance for everyone – 9K Run, 5K Run/Walk and 1K Kids’ Run. 3) Post-race beer garden and Sounders FC viewing party. Happiness starts here sign up.
Any press is good press?
Whenever I coach youth soccer I end each session with the phrase, “Let’s be good citizens as well as good soccer players,” and then encourage players to pick up after themselves – water bottles, orange peels, empty Capri Suns, etc. On May 16th, Sounders FC staff joined a team of 175 other friends of Pioneer Square to tackle the annual Spring Clean. Cue montage. We’ll see if next year’s Pioneer Square Spring Clean includes public shaming. It does in Hong Kong. The next tifo? Uh oh.
A good reminder
Chelsea's Cesc Fabregas reminds us why in soccer it’s paramount to always keep your head on a swivel. West Brom’s Chris Brunt learned that lesson the hard way. Ouch.
Our long, national nightmare is over
This blog’s community-building award goes to…David Letterman. After 33 years of entertainment that gave us all a common bond, we now have more lists than we can count. See his community’s last list here. I think @ConanOBrien might have said it best, “It's absolutely absurd to thank David Letterman for all he's done in a tweet. But that's the world we live in now. #ThanksDave
Find out how United in Green, Sounders FC’s community call to action, is using soccer as a vehicle to empower and inspire at www.soundersfc.com/community-outreach.
