Sounders FC 'Give Kicks' against KC

Undefeated on the field, the Sounders FC hopes to give back to their youth fans with a soccer equipment drive before Saturday's game against the Wizards.

The Sounders FC has partnered with Washington Youth Soccer this weekend for the “Give Kicks” Soccer Equipment Drive program for their game against the Kansas City Wizards at Qwest Field.

The program will be collecting new and gently used clean soccer equipment during Saturday’s game to help meet the soccer uniform and equipment needs of all communities across the state, regardless of income, gender or location.

“The Sounders FC wanted to do something to give back to the community and get their fans involved.  The team already works with Washington Youth Soccer, the kids in the program are the ball managers on the sidelines at games,” Assistant Director of Community Relations for the Seahawks and Sounders FC Paul Johns said.  “We want all the kids to be on that proverbial level playing field – to have equipment and compete and feel a part of it.”

The Seahawks have been doing a toy drive with the Marines and a food drive with Northwest Harvest, so a drive with the Sounders was a natural fit.  The team is encouraged already by the activity of the fan base.

“Washington State has the most youth soccer players per capita in the U.S. and the way the team has played has kept the fan attention up and that gives us hope for the first one,” said Johns, who played four years with the Seahawks as a receiver and has been working with the team in various capacities for over 16 years.

Volunteers from Washington Youth Soccer will be collecting money and equipment at a sold-out Qwest Field on Saturday.  Booths will be set up in and around the stadium and representatives will be collecting donations prior to kickoff.  For more information, visit www.wsysa.com.