Community Organizations

Through partnerships with respected local nonprofits, The Bridges United Foundation is better able to provide access to high quality sporting programming to all individuals — particularly to those in marginalized communities. We’re proud to work with a growing list of organizations that amplify our mission and have outsized impacts in their own communities.

CLR Academy

Community. Leadership. Revolution.

CLR Academy started in 2021 in Ypsilanti, Michigan as a partnership between fellow USL League Two club AFC Ann Arbor and Washtenaw My Brother's Keeper as a "free, weekly pop-up program supporting young kids' right to dream, believe, explore and create through sport, nutrition, reading and writing."

We brought the CLR model to Seattle in 2023 and provided free youth programming once a week, all summer long. We're eternally grateful for the opportunity to run this program as part of a two way partnership between community-based organizations and have continued this program each summer since with Rat City FC.

America SCORES offers after-school programs that support whole child development through the teamwork of soccer, the creativity of poetry, and the compassion of service-learning.

“Our partnership with the Bridges United Foundation uses soccer to bridge communities, providing access and support beyond the affluent Ballard neighborhood. Together, we are creating an innovative, high-impact program strategy in collaboration with the communities we serve. Our missions are aligned, and our partnership has grown stronger over time.

The funding of nutrition and snacks, as well as the establishment of a winter SCORES program to aid in our expansion, has been crucial to our success. We would not be on a tremendous growth path—expanding sixfold within the last two years—without the support of Bridges United. Not only has our impact grown, but the partnership has significantly contributed to the capacity building of our staff and leadership with an invitation into Common Goal's Play Proud cohort. 

We are better because of them. Their unwavering support has enabled us to enhance our programs, reach more children, and make a lasting difference in our community. Thank you, Bridges United, for being an invaluable partner in our mission to empower youth through soccer and education.”

Alexandra Foster, former Executive Director

ZGiRLS

ZGiRLS started by Olympic & NCAA athletes, ZGiRLS equips girls with the tools and perspective they need to be confident, centered, and courageous.

“When two missions align this perfectly, magic happens. Joining forces with Bridges United to bring confidence-building skills to girls in our community is exactly why ZGiRLS exists. Equipping their players and coaches with tools to build confidence both on and off the field is a win-win-win… for the girls, for the game, and for our entire community.”

Jilyne Jarvis, Executive Director and Founder

Rain City Soccer Club is a queer community soccer group in Seattle and one of the largest in the USA focused on creating inclusive sports spaces locally.

"As an organization Rain City Soccer Club is deeply grateful for the partnership and camaraderie we share with the Bridges United Foundation. Over the past several years we have run multiple programs between our organizations to not only solidify relationships but also to each make an impact on our larger communities we influence. From running corporate, player, and partnership DEI training and demonstration inclusivity clinics to attending matches, running Pride Match tables, and BFC sponsoring our largest and oldest program; it truly is an effort in collaboration and mutual growth. The staff at Ballard have really gone above and beyond to help us further our mission and demonstrate a deep love and commitment to inclusion in the world of soccer."

Salem Lemmon, RCSC Club President

Family First Community Center was founded by former Seattle Seahawks football player Doug Baldwin Jr and is dedicated to empowering individuals and strengthening community bonds. Inspired by Doug’s passion for serving others, the center offers a wide range of programs and resources to foster personal growth, promote wellness, and cultivate meaningful connections in Renton, WA.

"Bridges United Foundation has been an exceptional program partner for the Family First Community Center offering FREE weekly soccer clinics to the youth in the Benson Hill and Cascade area community. Families and youth have expressed immense gratitude for this beneficial program. The caring and attentive coaches excel at differentiating for various skill levels, making every session impactful. We deeply value and cherish this intentional partnership."

Alejandra Silva-Avendano, FFCC Director of Volunteer Services & Programs