On National Girls and Women in Sports Day, Sounders FC is proud to announce our investment and collaboration with Cultures United in the creation of a new pro-am women’s team.
"We are honored to partner with Cultures United, a BIPOC-led community soccer organization, and part of the King County Play Equity Coalition to provide a platform for women to play," said Sounders FC Chief Operating Officer Maya Mendoza-Exstrom. "We have partnered with Cultures United for the past two years, and players for this team will in turn become Cultures United community coaches and will help Sounders FC and RAVE Foundation lead free camps and clinics throughout our region. We love this partnership, and if our investment can help an existing culturally-responsive soccer organization to expand what they do best at the grass-roots level while Defending the Right to play for women, we’re in!"
In addition to providing funding for start-up expenses like uniforms, league fees and field rentals, Sounders FC is investing in the players’ future. Women’s team players will be engaged as coach-mentors for RAVE Foundation clinics and camps in 2022, with special emphasis on girls programs, girls mentorship and to further invest and sustain efforts for both Cultures United and RAVE.
"The Cultures United family is very excited to be implementing the women's soccer program this year," said Executive Director of Cultures United Sebastian Diaz. "For us, this has been a much-needed program since the beginning, and now we are able to make it a reality thanks to the support of RAVE Foundation & Seattle Sounders FC. The future of our organization is bright thanks to this kind of support. Together we will continue to empower young athletes in our community through soccer."
A fellow member of the King County Play Equity Coalition and partner of RAVE Foundation since 2020, Cultures United is a critical program partner of RAVE, sharing goals to further access to play for all youth. Rooted in community, Cultures United helps RAVE Foundation serve youth in underrepresented and BIPOC communities with free, high-quality, culturally-responsive soccer camps and clinics. Children receive the benefits of staying active, while teaching them teamwork and leadership in a positive environment.
