More Reasons to Love the Sounders, Soccer
Aside from on-field accomplishments, one of the shining successes of the Sounders FC organization was its connection to fans and the community at large. Today, as part of festivities leading up to Sunday's MLS Cup at Qwest Field, a few Sounders are chipping in to build an entire elementary school playground. In one day.
Sounders FC Captain Kasey Keller, along with Peter Vagenas, Fredy Montero and James Riley, joined other MLS players, Home Depot associates, and Seattle Schools volunteers in the day-long project at Van Asselt Elementary, just across I-5 from Boeing Field. After today, the school's 600 students will have a shiny, brand-new place for recess.
The Home Depot and Seattle Public Schools funded today's undertaking, also co-organized by MLS W.O.R.K.S.--the league's community outreach initiative--and a nonprofit group that constructs play areas across the country called KaBOOM! (Not to be confused with the household cleaner sold in infomercials).
But wait, there's more! On Saturday, Sounders FC players, city officials, and other volunteers will plant trees and pick up litter around Qwest Field as part of "Clean and Green Seattle"--another MLS W.O.R.K.S. project in conjunction with the City of Seattle. Also, it's just good form to clean up before thousands of guests arrive.
As if that weren't enough, MLS, as part of its environmental platform GREENER GOALS, will distribute reusable bags and eco-tip wallet guides to fans attending Sunday's game, AND purchase carbon offsets to offset all the electricity used at the stadium that day. Yay, soccer!
