We kicked off summer by celebrating our commitment to Defend the Right to Play! Defending the right to play is anchored around the belief that play is not a privilege but a right, and RAVE Foundation’s work in the community aims to remove barriers to play by providing access to youth in Washington State who are furthest from play equity.
In July, we celebrated Disability Pride Month with an adaptive soccer coaching clinic, defending the right to play for people of all abilities. We also celebrated RAVE Foundation's work on matchday, providing fans with an opportunity to engage with the 26 by 2026 and Fan-Funded Field initiatives.
ADAPTIVE SOCCER COACHING CLINIC
On July 22-24, we partnered with Clemson University ParaSoccer to host an adaptive soccer coaching clinic for veterans, members of the armed forces, and the professionals who work with them. Participants received U.S. Soccer Grassroots Coaching certification, Mental Health First Aid certification and adaptive soccer training. As part of the camp, thanks to Socios.com, participants were also hosted at our Defend the Right to Play match on July 23, and enjoyed a meet and greet with Sounders FC midfielder Danny Leyva!
DEFEND THE RIGHT TO PLAY MATCH
On July 23, our match celebrated Sounders and RAVE's commitment to Defend the Right to Play! As fans entered the stadium, they had the opportunity to donate $20.26 to the Fan-Funded Field in exchange for an exclusive Summer With The Champs poster. The spirit of play came to life in the North Plaza, with fans enjoying a giant beach scene, complete with volleyball, badminton and free play with oversized inflatable soccer balls.
The center of the North Plaza featured a giant Fan-Funded Field chalk art, and fans were encouraged to decorate this space with their own suggestions for the name of the field.
At halftime of the match, RAVE Foundation celebrated the 15 field locations – of the ultimate goal of 26 – that are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2022. The fields were presented on the pitch by flags carried by RAVE donors and volunteers, with members of Alliance Council carrying the Fan-Funded Field flag.
