When 2020 began, we all had big dreams, plans to push forward and make these 52 weeks count. For many, those dreams were dashed, plans put indefinitely on hold and the days and weeks melted into a dense fog.

For Washington State Legends of Soccer, like many small nonprofits, preparations for marquee fundraisers and community events were stopped cold. The WA Legends board is made up of men and women who have done battle on the pitch, whose character seems to shine brightest just when dark clouds gather; they don’t accept defeat, rather they hold on to fight another day.

Among the resolutions for 2020 was to continue funding educational opportunities for underserved youth. Two young women, the first in their respective families to attend college, are studying and planning to play soccer this spring at Everett Community College. WA Legends, thanks to donations made in 2019, are covering all the costs of tuition, books and fees.

Resolutions Kept

Another resolution was to greatly expand the WA Legends online museum. As it turned out, they surpassed their objectives. A total of 22 new “years” have been researched, curated and, during the past three weeks of December, uploaded for all the world to see; be it text, images, audio or video. Content on more than 20 existing pages was expanded. In addition, a new interview series — Conversations with a Legend — has begun on the organization’s YouTube channel.

Among the new pages of content are two major stadium openings, inaugural seasons for the original Sounders and Reign and nine pro or college national championships. Our first four Conversations feature some men and women who were at the forefront of our game, be it establishing the Sounders or playing for the U.S Women’s National Team.

The mission of WA Legends is to celebrate this state’s proud soccer past and ensure its future. They managed to keep their promise in 2020 and lay groundwork for better days to come.

Dive In

Hopefully you will take the opportunity to dive into the museum, descend down a rabbit hole and absorb all that preceded this past decade of glory, then share with friends all over, even those in rival areas. Perhaps it will move them to discover their own history or, better still, create their own Legends-like enterprise.

In the meantime, WA Legends will go forward with even greater purpose in 2021. More than a dozen new “years” will be added, and a slate of virtual events are being planned. WA Legends strives to be representative of our collective soccer community. The scope of content extends to youth, amateur, adult, ethnic, high school, collegiate and professional, every region of the state, on field and off.

Feedback Welcome

Let them know if you have ideas or perhaps time to volunteer. Got a favorite year or feat that’s missing? They are open to suggestions and submissions. And if you wish to support WA Legends with a donation, they have a proclivity for stretching every dollar. Thanks for your support.