Hi, Roger Levesque here and this is my entry in 48 Seconds with Levesque, our new community blog. For those of you who don’t know me, find out more here. I have a long history with the Sounders both on the field and in the community, although community engagement was a pillar on which the Sounders organization hung its hat long before I was around. Just ask Jimmy Gabriel about the ‘Lads’ and the Sounders’ inaugural season in ‘74. The question we’re trying to answer now is, how to better leverage our passion for the game we love and translate it into community impact? Our first step is United In Green. Check it out.
What would William Wallace wear?
Soccer has the unique ability to stir passion in each of us – both on and off the pitch. Zlatan Ibrahimovic not only scores goals for PSG but also gets yellow cards for taking his shirt off – for a worthy cause. Brad Evans doesn’t have any tattoos, but is prepared to do whatever it takes to support his teammates on the field and have a positive impact in the community. Even if it is a little drafty!
Is it time for recess yet?
We see soccer as a game for everyone. Elementary schools in the North Sound do too. The Edmonds School District is launching a recess makeover to encourage physical activity. Skip the mani/pedi and grab a soccer ball. At Sounders FC, we’re working in schools too. Just ask Micheal Azira.
Nominate a school here.
BIG things on the horizon
You ask, ‘how can I make a difference?’ Well, opportunities are everywhere and we have suggestions. More and more companies are intentionally designed to provide measureable and accountable social good – think Warby Parker. Why not invest in impact? At Sounders FC we’re trying to think creatively as well – and BIG. Lamar Neagle knows what we’re talking about. You will too on May 5th.
And the winner is…
Max Romano-Weller, Lukas Guericke, and yours truly for the photobomb of the week. Max and Lukas, Ingraham High School students, were on the field preparing for the Unified Soccer Crossbar Challenge when Oba scored his game-winning goal last week against Houston. All four of us flipped out.
Score a goal and then what?
Here’s just a little reminder to always remember to celebrate the little victories. The journey to those big, lofty goals won’t seem quite so treacherous. Thanks for taking the time to engage in Sounders FC community commentary. Don’t let that engagement stop now. Find news about our latest community events here. What’s up next for you? Please let us know.
I dedicate the inaugural community blog entry to Lauren Hill, a young lady who did so much in the time she had and is an inspiration to us all. Rest in Peace.
