A New Place to Play Opens at Northshore YMCA

Families, kids, and community partners came together to celebrate the opening of a brand-new soccer mini-pitch at the Northshore YMCA. This new safe place to play welcomed the youth of Greater Seattle with programming that will give them access to mentorship, belonging, and everything that soccer has to offer.

The day kicked off with Sounders FC legend Brad Evans reminding us why this moment matters: “Every child should have a great place to play—for free! This is just the beginning—we want to be your friends and partners for many years to come.”

The celebration was filled with energy, excitement, and a few surprises. Kids joined the Sounders’ famous “Boom Boom Clap” cheer before counting down the ceremonial first kick that officially opened the new pitch. Excitement grew when Brad announced that each kid in attendance would take home their own soccer ball.

The U.S. Soccer Foundation’s Director of Strategic Expansion, Bruno Marchesi, highlighted the lasting impact that the mini-pitch will bring to the community. “Mini-pitches create opportunities that last far beyond the game itself,” Bruno shared. “They are places where kids can build friendships, discover mentors, and feel part of something bigger than themselves.”

Leaders from the YMCA of Greater Seattle and Delta Air Lines echoed Bruno and Brad’s commitment, emphasizing how partnerships like this one strengthen communities through the power of soccer.

Thanks to the teamwork of the YMCA, Delta Air Lines, Sounders FC, and the U.S. Soccer Foundation, kids in the Greater Seattle community will have a safe place to play and belong for years to come.