Seattle is on the edge of a historic moment. With the FIFA World Cup arriving in 2026, our region expects hundreds of thousands of visitors, global attention, and an explosion of soccer culture that only comes once in a generation. The Northwest Soccer Foundation is stepping into that moment with a clear mission: activate our community, remove barriers, and give families a direct way to feel part of the energy building across King County.
On December 13, 2025, we will host our FREE World Cup Community Clinic from 10 AM to 12 PM at Steve Cox Memorial Stadium in Seattle. This event is powered by the Game Ready Activation Grant, a program created through King County, the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, the Community Business Connector network, and the Game Ready Business Ready initiative. The purpose of this grant program is to support inclusive, place based community activations that spark pride, build momentum, and prepare neighborhoods for the World Cup.
Designed by Experienced Coaches and Community Partners
This clinic brings together some of the region’s most respected player development leaders:
Field Player Program
Delivered by the coaching team from Jungla Soccer, owned by Mike Mata (USL2 Head Coach) and Alex Mejia (USL2 Player). Their program emphasizes technique, movement, confidence, creativity, and the high energy, global style that fits the World Cup moment.
Goalkeeper Program
Led by Dorian Lair, USL2 West Seattle Junction Goalkeeper Coach and owner of Lair Athletics, the goalkeeper experience focuses on footwork, handling, positioning, mobility, and real game decision making.
Additional Coaching Support
- Miguel Guevara, UPSL Player
- Jurgen Rondon, UPSL Player
- Potential guest player appearances
This lineup gives players a true professional environment, powered by coaches who actively compete or coach in elite leagues.
A Community Event Built for All Ages, All Levels, and All Families
The clinic is intentionally free. Removing cost barriers aligns directly with the Northwest Soccer Foundation’s mission to provide access, programming, and opportunities to players and families across the region. Our organizational purpose includes offering training, equipment, events, and programs that support the health and wellness of youth and adults.
World Cup excitement can feel distant when families face financial or cultural barriers. By bringing a free, high-quality soccer experience straight to the community, we make the global moment feel local and accessible.
Players will step into a session built with intention:
- Professional coaching
- Structured, curated training
- Inclusive engagement, no matter skill level
- A place to connect with neighbors and small businesses
The goal is not just to train. It is to activate the neighborhood and create a lasting sense of belonging.
Partners Driving the Event Forward
This event would not exist without a unified community effort.
Event Partners
- Northwest Soccer Foundation
- West Seattle Junction FC
- Rhodies FC
- Lair Athletics
- Jungla Soccer
These partners represent local clubs, player development organizations, and community-centered soccer leaders who share the goal of making the game accessible.
Grant Supporters
- King County
- Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
- Community Business Connector (CBC)
- Game Ready Business Ready Initiative
Why It’s Free
The Game Ready Activation Grant exists to:
- Support public engagement
- Spark festive community energy
- Promote local business activity
- Tie neighborhoods into the World Cup experience
- Build momentum that lasts beyond 2026
By eliminating cost, families from all backgrounds can participate. This aligns with both the Foundation’s charitable purpose and the grant’s priority to deliver events that are inclusive and open to the public.
Grant funding also allows us to compensate coaches, purchase equipment, improve logistics, and create an event that would otherwise be out of reach for many.
Connecting the Event to Local Businesses
Following the guidelines of the Game Ready Activation Grant, the clinic collaborates with the local business ecosystem by:
- Inviting small businesses to table, share services, and meet families
- Creating foot traffic in the surrounding area
- Providing visibility for vendors in the West Seattle business corridor
- Documenting attendance, outreach, and community impact as required by the Chamber’s reporting process
This ensures the clinic benefits not only players but the small business community that will play a significant role in making Seattle “World Cup Ready.”
A Moment Bigger Than Soccer
The World Cup gives Seattle a platform to showcase its culture, energy, and community pride. The Northwest Soccer Foundation’s clinic is a small but meaningful way to bring that global excitement into a neighborhood setting where kids, families, and local businesses can feel part of something historic.
On December 13, our community comes together not just to play soccer, but to celebrate what is ahead.
