After defeating Oly Town FC 3-0 last Monday, Ballard FC will be competing in a Friendly Match against their Seattle neighbor, Cultures United FC, this Sunday, June 5th. Kickoff is at 2:00 pm.
Unlike the other home matches this inaugural season, this friendly match is entirely focused around social impact and several of Ballard FC’s important community partners.
Ballard FC is proud to partner with Cultures United FC as this match has been themed ‘Neighbors Helping Neighbors’ and will be featuring one of Ballard’s most influential community outreaches: the Ballard Food Bank.
With a mission to bring food and hope to their neighbors, the Ballard Food Bank has been serving the community of Seattle since the late 1970s, and they now serve over 6,000 individuals and families per month from their new facility located right in the heart of Ballard at 1400 NW Leary Way. Together, they have been able to create an open, accessible, and friendly environment where everyone is able to feel welcomed and as though they belong.
On June 3rd, Ballard FC players and staff had the opportunity to receive a tour of the new Food Bank facility and volunteer, stocking shelves and helping to prepare the food bank to serve their neighbors.
Partnering with Ballard FC this Sunday, Cultures United FC is a nonprofit and movement based in Seattle, WA, serving the community by using the sport of soccer as a tool for unity and positive social change. Through various organizations such as the RAVE Foundation and the King County Play Equity Alliance, they have brought free soccer camps and clinics to underserved youth all throughout the Seattle area. Additionally, Cultures United FC’s men’s and women’s teams, both members of the United Premier Soccer League, provide a pathway to athletic growth.
You can find more information at www.culturesunitedfc.com. You may also learn more about the Cultures United movement by streaming the Cultures United Podcast available through most streaming platforms.
During the ‘Neighbors Helping Neighbors’ Friendly match on Sunday, Ballard FC will be honoring Ballard Food Bank’s Executive Director Jen Muzia at halftime, along with a representative of Cultures United FC. Additionally, the Ballard Food Bank will have one sprinter van on site, and Ballard FC fans are encouraged to bring unexpired food items, hygiene items, brown paper bags, egg cartons, and heavy plastic bags to fill the van!
In addition to filling the van during Sunday’s match, there are many ways that Ballard FC fans can help the Ballard Food Bank. Fans can donate funds to help maximize the Food Bank’s budget and purchase food in bulk here.
Fans can also donate food directly! Head over to the Ballard Food Bank’s Amazon wishlist to find out what items are the highest in demand. Currently, the Ballard Food Bank is urgently in need of hygiene items such as diapers in sizes 5 / 6, family-size shampoo bottles, toothbrushes & toothpaste, and razors. Additionally, fans can volunteer. Check out the Ballard Food Bank’s website for more information and a volunteer application here.
With community as the center focus of this match, Sunday’s Friendly vs. Cultures United FC is shaping up to be a memorable day.
Ticket holders should arrive early. Doors open at 12:30pm for the 2:00pm kickoff and fans will have the opportunity to enjoy a selection of Reuben’s Brews beers, including the team’s own Up The Bridges! American Pale Ale in the Reuben’s Brews Foundation Beer Garden. Levantine Cuisine food truck and Mainstay Provisions food tent will also be available to purchase food from before and during the game.
There are still tickets available for Sunday’s ‘Neighbors Helping Neighbors’ Friendly-themed match available HERE! Additionally, tickets for future matches are just $12.50 for standing room and they are available for advance purchase.
For more information about match day, including transportation, Covid-19, fan code of conduct, prohibited items, and more click HERE.
Photos courtesy of Lou Cuevas
