More than 30 youths from Yesler were invited by the RAVE Foundation to experience the Seattle Sounders Home Opener on February 22.
For many families, this was their first time attending a Sounders game. SHA Community Builder Ben Wheeler shared how meaningful it felt to spend time with families outside of day-to-day work roles, especially as conversations naturally shifted into parenting stories and shared experiences that helped build trust and bring everyone closer.
“It’s a special time to hang out with families outside of our normal duties,” Ben said.
A standout moment came as the group passed the RAVE Foundation’s table and spotted a poster featuring a Yesler youth from years ago. Seeing her own smile celebrated brought the young woman and her friends a sense of pride. For staff, it was a reminder of the longstanding partnership between the RAVE Foundation and SHA communities, and of happy shared experiences.
SHA Youth Engagement Coordinator Wintana Haile recalled a moment when RAVE Foundation Community Coordinator Monica Firmani handed out shirts and stickers. The youth immediately asked what was happening next. When they learned they’d be going on to the field, their faces lit up. “All you could hear was excitement,” Wintana said.
During the match, staff found themselves watching not just the game but the kids’ reaction. Wintana noticed two younger boys who narrated the action with such enthusiasm that it felt like sitting next to future game commentators. “It was amazing to see their passion for soccer,” Wintana said.
Throughout the night, families sat together as one large group, cheering not only as neighbors but as part of the broader Seattle community. And even when the streetcar failed to operate after the game, the group stayed positive, supporting one another and encouraging the youngest kids to keep going on tired legs.
“There was a moment when it didn’t feel like work but a group of neighbors heading back from a game,” Ben said.
Wintana hopes the youth walked away with memories and stories to tell classmates, moments shared with their families and an experience that not everyone gets to have.
The night was a celebration of connection, bringing together youth, families, staff, the Sounders and the RAVE Foundation, our valued partner that continues to open doors to unforgettable experiences.