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The Seattle Housing Authority and the RAVE Foundation invited neighborhood leaders and other partners  to gather at the Sounders FC headquarters recently to learn about plans for the next RAVE Community Field at NewHolly.

SHA has a strong partnership with the RAVE Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Seattle Sounders FC, which built a soccer field at Yesler Terrace Park, and has brought soccer clinics and related arts and health programs to Yesler residents. 

The enthusiasm and positive response by Yesler youth and families has led RAVE to select another SHA community – NewHolly – as the site of their next RAVE Community Field.

“We couldn’t ask for a better partner to help us build strong communities, and engage and inspire young people living in and near SHA housing,” said SHA Executive Director Andrew Lofton. “

RAVE and the Sounders have invited Yesler youth to attend games and come onto the field to be recognized during halftime. They worked with kids to design goal posts, and included the youth in a special “Family” celebration when the Sounders announced additions to their ownership group. Russell Wilson, Ciara, Macklemore and others spoke to the crowd. RAVE has given away hundreds of soccer balls to children and youth at Yesler.

SHA is committing land in the heart of NewHolly, where the RAVE Foundation will build a new soccer facility to serve the entire community. 

“They have already held soccer clinics there, which the kids have loved. When they can have a real field with facilities for whole families to enjoy, it will give kids a place to be safe and healthy, a place to belong,” Lofton said. “Through soccer, we will literally change lives.” 

The generosity of the RAVE Foundation is not directed just to the Seattle Housing Authority. The field at NewHolly, as at Yesler, will be a place for the larger community to enjoy as well. All are welcome and no fees are charged for use of RAVE fields.