At Sounders FC, our Social Justice Framework promises that we will recruit, hire, train and develop diverse talent, representative of our community. As part of our work towards fulfilling that promise, and in partnership with the Emerald Queen Casino (EQC) and Puyallup Tribe of Indians, we have launched a comprehensive career development partnership with Puyallup Tribe of Indian’s Chief Leschi Schools. This is our long-term commitment to create opportunities for Indigenous youth to visualize their future by providing real-life work experiences and insights into professional sports careers.
"It's as much about what we see and hear on the field, but what we do off the field together, especially with this career development program with the kids at the Chief Leschi School," said Peter Tomozawa, Sounders FC President of Business Operations.
In September, Sounders FC and RAVE Foundation piloted a job shadow program with the SFC broadcast department, specifically aligned with Chief Leschi School’s Career and Technical Education Program’s Audio/Visual Pathway for High School students.
For two weeks, select Chief Leschi High School students met virtually with members of the Sounders FC broadcast team to gain insight into their career journeys and job duties. The students attended two Sounders FC matches, getting a behind the scenes look at the live podcast taping, broadcast truck, and press room, in addition to hosted match viewings!
“I was so impressed with the growth I saw in the students between the first meeting and the last. Their confidence seemed to skyrocket, and they all were able to talk about careers in sports broadcasting in a much more knowledgeable way," said Nancy Nelson, CTE Director at Chief Leschi Schools. "I know the experience has opened doors for all of them that they did not even know existed, and that is really powerful learning! Thank you for this wonderful gift for our students!"
