Puyallup Tribe of Indians Marks Historic One Year Partnership with RAVE Foundation Mini-pitch Groundbreaking

Leaders from the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, Chief Leschi Schools, RAVE Foundation, Seattle Sounders FC, and SeattleFWC26 gathered to commemorate the groundbreaking of a new soccer pitch at Chief Leschi Schools.

Seattle FIFA World Cup 26™ Local Organizing Committee (LOC) CEO Peter Tomozawa recently joined leaders from Legacy Supporter Puyallup Tribe of Indians (PTOI), RAVE Foundation, and Seattle Sounders FC to break ground on a mini-pitch at the tribe’s Chief Leschi Schools.

“We are thrilled to bring this new soccer field to our community. It reflects our commitment to kids and families and our relationship with the Sounders, RAVE Foundation, and Seattle FIFA World Cup Local Organizing Committee,” said Bill Sterud, chairman of the Puyallup Tribal Council. “This collaboration will grow over the next two years as we get closer to the games.”

The pitch is one of “26 by 26” the RAVE foundation is building throughout Washington State, helping invest in not only the buildup to the FIFA World Cup 26TM matches in Seattle, but ensuring all youth and the next generation of players have access to safe, quality, and sustainable fields. This initiative brings free playfields to communities that need it most, ensuring all youth and the next generation of players have access to, quality, sustainable small playfields.

Ashley Fosberg, VP of Social Impact for Seattle Sounders FC and Executive Director of RAVE Foundation said, “the Legacy Supporter agreement between Seattle FIFA World Cup 26 Local Organizing Committee, RAVE Foundation and PTOI is instrumental in bringing the groundswell of excitement of the World Cup to underserved communities, where access to play is scarce. Our goal is to leave a legacy of free play and to spark a love of soccer throughout the State. I’m excited for the completion of the Chief Leschi mini pitch this fall – and am looking forward to building many more fields in the years to come.”

It was one year ago that the PTOI entered into their historic agreement as Official Legacy Supporter of FIFA World Cup 26™ Host City Seattle – the first ever agreement between a Tribal Nation and the world’s largest sporting event, the FIFA World Cup™.  

Since that time, PTOI has taken an active and growing role in helping shape the cultural framework and legacy-building activities of the Seattle LOC – and in turn providing an example to the other 15 host cities across North America.

“The synergy between PTOI and our daily focus on human rights, culture, accessibility, sustainability, and investing in children and communities is critical to our long-term legacy and success,” said Leo Flor, Chief Legacy Officer for the LOC. “From how we approach our community engagements to the ways in which fans around the world will be introduced to our region, PTOI is an important supporter of our work.” 

From the Tribe's perspective, this opportunity was truly a once in a generation opportunity to bring their stories to the world stage.

“Sharing the story of the Pacific Northwest with the world means telling the story of its Native peoples,” said Bill Sterud, chairman of the Puyallup Tribal Council. “The Puyallup Tribe will be a proud and visible supporter of the FIFA World Cup and use it as a platform to share our culture and region with the world.”