Partnership Goooooooals: Salmon Bay FC and Ballard FC

By Gypsy Walukones, Senior Communications Manager

Just as many of us have tuned into the FIFA World Cup matches in Seattle lately, we’ve also seen some thrilling plays from our own hyper-local soccer clubs. Ballard FC and Salmon Bay FC are both great partners of Ballard Food Bank. After winning the division finals and western conference finals, Salmon Bay will host Minnesota Aurora FC in the USLW National Semifinal this Saturday, July 11th. Ballard FC has clinched their playoff spot and finishes out the regular season with a match this Sunday.

With team offices just up the street and their matches played across the bridge at Interbay Stadium, both teams have connected with us through volunteering, collecting food donations at their matches, and donating merch for fundraising events.

A handful of Ballard FC players build Home Delivery bags while their teammates stock them in the warehouse

Salmon Bay FC forms a fast and energetic assembly line to build Home Delivery bags

Attending my first Salmon Bay FC match, I was delighted by the sense of community and all the connections to Ballard Food Bank and our neighborhood. Of course, several of our fantastic volunteers tabled at the event, collecting donations of cereal and oatmeal.

Thanks to our wonderful volunteers who engage with fans and collect food and monetary donations at each match!

I don’t attend a lot of sporting events these days because ticket prices are high and I don’t enjoy navigating huge crowds in tight spaces. Tickets for both Ballard FC and Salmon Bay FC matches start at under $20, and the outdoor stadium feels airy and relaxed (while also high-energy)!

I was impressed by the level of play during the match, especially from our Salmon Bay team who finished with a win! The combination of a smaller crowd, community-feel with elite playing action got me hooked. 

For my first match, I splurged on the pitch-level tickets, where our friends from Town & Country Markets provided free snacks and sparkling water. I bought a curried chicken salad wrap from Mainstay Provisions, a longtime supporter, and visited the beer garden from our neighbors at Stoup. I marveled at how many of the sponsor banners around the field featured local Ballard businesses who also support our mission.

I also got to watch my colleague Cam perform with his marching band!

Marching band Riot performed at halftime for Salmon Bay FC’s Pride Match in June.

With the ever-growing need in our community and the heightened level of stress we’re seeing in all the neighbors coming through our doors, it’s been an intense year so far at the food bank. Gathering to cheer, to celebrate, and to be in community with each other feeds my soul and keeps my heart in the work.