Partnership, Collaboration, and Commitment resulted in the opening of Two New Soccer Fields in Yakima
Photo Courtesy: Montane Productions
Mazvita Maraire, SeattleFWC26 Writer
The collaborative partnership between Sounders FC charitable partner, the RAVE Foundation, SeattleFWC26, the local organizing committee for the FIFA World Cup 26™, the Yakima School District, the Consulate of Mexico in Seattle, and MEXAM 2023 saw two new soccer fields opened at Martin Luther King Elementary School in Union Gap, near Yakima Friday.
Each of the above organizations is committed to empowering and building equity in underserved communities. For SeattleFWC26 it is a commitment to bring Washington to the World when FIFA World Cup 26™ comes to the Pacific Northwest in 2026. Part of that vision is engaging with communities statewide during the buildup to maximize every opportunity the global event presents.
"We are so excited to be here in Yakima today with all the children at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School and our friends at Sounders FC and the RAVE Foundation. One of the main goals of hosting FIFA World Cup 26 in the Pacific Northwest is to bring the beautiful game to communities all across our state" said Lisa Chin, SeattleFWC26 Chief Legacy Officer. Accessibility for the children and youth of Washington State is of the upmost importance to SeattleFWC26 and is why one of our key legacy pillars is supporting opportunities like this."
The construction of the two mini fields is part of the RAVE’s commitment to build 26 small fields for free play by the end of 2026 and part of its legacy ahead of Seattle serving as a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The construction of the field reinforces Sounders FC's mission to invest in Latinx communities while bringing play equity to youth in Washington through its Defend the Right to Play social justice arena for change. The event opening aligns with Rave Green’s annual celebration of Latinx Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15 each year.
The double mini-pitch features a portrait of Martin Luther King Jr. created by celebrated artist Teddy “Stat” Phillips. Following the ceremony RAVE and Sounders FC led students in art-making activities inspired by the life and teachings of Martin Luther King Jr. As part of the celebration on Friday, SeattleFWC26 worked with local Yakima bakery, Veira's, to provide over 500 cookies for all students in attendance.
Event speakers and community leaders included Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School Principal Phillip Koestner, Yakima School District Superintendent Trevor Greene, SeattleFWC26 – Seattle FIFA World Cup 2026 representative and Chief Legacy Officer Lisa Chin, the Head Consul of Mexico in Seattle Héctor Iván Godoy Priske, Washington Youth Soccer Executive Director Roger Levesque as well as Sounders FC Front Office representatives.