Soaring High with the Cleveland Eagles: A Launch of a New Community Support Program
This fall Seattle United played a significant role in providing support to one of Seattle’s 3A Metro League High School Girls’ soccer programs. As a club that serves the greater Seattle area, SU takes pride in finding ways to support the local youth soccer community.
Thanks to the commitment and drive by the Cleveland HS Girls Soccer coach, Avery Kamau (and members of the Cleveland Alumni Association), we were informed that the Cleveland HS Girls Soccer program was in need of assistance to help their program grow. Coach Avery, along with her coaching staff, provide a positive platform for student-athletes to learn and grow their knowledge of the game, but needed support in obtaining adequate training gear and equipment that could aid their student-athletes development on the pitch.
Seattle United and Soccer West collaborated to determine the needs of the program, and came up with a plan to deliver uniforms, balls and more. Seattle United’s Community Outreach Director, Carlos Enriquez, worked with Soccer West and Cleveland HS coaches and Athletic Director to turn a wish list into an on-site delivery of a dream come true. The gratitude by the staff and the overall Cleveland HS community members exemplified the positive spirit that is abundant within this school and its Girls soccer team. However, we are most excited to support the incredible character and genuine care that the Cleveland Girls showed throughout their season. When asked about the season, Coach Avery said about her student athletes:
“When I reflect on this season I am reminded how dedicated so many of the players are who come out ready to play soccer, get stronger at their game, and have fun as a team. Sportsmanship is a word that comes to mind when I think about Cleveland Girls Soccer; you can see it when you watch them play, regardless of wins or loses, struggles with old uniforms, or inadequate equipment. Our student-athletes are leaders and show a commitment to sportsmanship unlike other teams I have been a part of. I am very grateful to experience their world of soccer and share their love of the game.”
It is this type of character that builds great players and great people. We are humbled by the chance to support an already strong and proud community that has been helping shape the lives of many talented and well-rounded students. It is our absolute pleasure to support the growth of a soccer program that has at its core the wonderful traits described by Coach Avery. We have no doubt that this program will continue its upward trajectory. Onward Cleveland Eagles!
Seattle United is happy to announce that we will be supporting one Metro High School Soccer program each year (alternating Girls/Boys program annually). Our hope is to lend a hand to high school programs that exemplify positive characteristics, and also has financial challenges that make basic program needs difficult to obtain. We believe that it is part of our responsibility to encourage and support equity, both within our club and the city’s greater youth soccer community. We are honored and grateful to be in a position to roll-out this program. Thank you Coach Avery and all of your wonderful players at Cleveland High School for that opportunity this year!
Please contact Seattle United Community Outreach Director, Carlos Enriquez, ([email protected]) for more information regarding this program.
