United for the Game: Soccer Symposium
Presented by RAVE Foundation & Washington Youth Soccer Foundation
About the Event
Soccer is more than just a sport—it's community.
This July, Washington Youth Soccer Foundation invites coaches, educators, club leaders, and community
organizers from across the state to the inaugural United for the Game Soccer Symposium.
Over two impactful
days, engage in shared learning, meaningful conversations, and hands-on experiences designed to empower
you as a leader in the game—whether you're on the field, in the classroom, or organizing in your
community.
Dates
Saturday, July 19 & Sunday, July 20
Location
Conibear Shell House, UW Seattle Campus
Cost
$30 (1 Day) | $45 (2 Days)
Kickoff Film Screening
#SheBelongs
Join us for a special screening of #SheBelongs—a powerful documentary celebrating the role of soccer in creating belonging and sparking social change. A live Q&A session with featured voices will follow the film.
Thursday, July 18 at 6:30 PM
Location: To be announced
Get Film TicketsSchedule at a Glance
- 6:00 PM Doors open
- 6:30–7:30 PM Film Screening: #SheBelongs
- 7:30–8:30 PM Live Q&A
- 8:00 AM Doors Open
- 9:00 AM Welcome & Keynote (Lesle Gallimore)
- 10:30 AM Breakout Session #1
- 11:30 AM Lunch & Panel Discussion (Coaching/Diversity)
- 1:15 PM Breakout Session #2
- 2:15 PM Breakout Session #3
- 3:15 PM Closing + Raffle
- 5:30 PM Seattle Sounders Game (ticket included; self-transport via light rail encouraged)
On the Field – Field #2 at UW
- 9:00 AM Arrival
- 9:30 AM On-the-field Courses, Session #1
- 11:30 AM Box Lunch
- 12:30 PM On-the-field Courses, Session #2
Session Descriptions
Saturday Breakout Sessions
Empower coaches to refine mentoring skills and cultivate inclusive environments. (US Soccer Foundation)
Strategies for creating culturally inclusive and respectful sports programs. (Positive Coaching Alliance)
Physical literacy program for 3-5-year-olds aligning with WA State Learning Standards. (RAVE Foundation)
Exploring strategies to support adolescent mental health and well-being. (UW Center for Leadership in Athletics)
Research-based methods to motivate athletes and build supportive environments. (Positive Coaching Alliance)
Information on obtaining Grassroots licenses and continued coaching education. (Washington Youth Soccer)
Sharing experiences on how soccer brings communities together. (Refugee Soccer + UW Global Sport Lab)
Tools to recognize red flags and set professional boundaries for student-athlete safety. (WIAA)
Sunday On-the-Field Sessions
Implementing soccer programs within school settings for elementary to high school students. (US Soccer Foundation)
Approaches to maintaining athlete physical wellness and enhancing performance.
Interactive sessions focusing on making the game more inclusive and equitable. (Soccer Without Borders)
Hands-on experience with strategies and techniques for youth coaching. (UW Center for Leadership in Athletics)
Discussion and problem-solving for challenges faced by community organizations and nonprofits.
Speakers & Presenters
Lesle Gallimore
Seattle Reign GM
Mary Connor
Common Goal
Kaig Lightner
Educator & Facilitator
Sarah Dwyer-Shick
Women's Coaching Advocate
BJ Kuntz
WIAA
Jordan Frost
Issaquah SD AD
Jordan Orr
Athletic Wellness Expert
Refugee Soccer
Organization
Positive Coaching Alliance
Organization
UW Center for Leadership in Athletics
Academic Center
US Soccer Foundation
Foundation
Soccer Without Borders
Organization
RAVE Foundation
Foundation
Our Sponsors
Thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible.
