Founders Chris Slatt, Steve Beck and Mark Bickham launched Starfire Sports in 2003. They had been struck by the character-building and other positive effects that team sports had on their own children, and were inspired by the prospect of making the same opportunity available to all children in the community.

This idea, focused on combining inclusiveness with access to world-class facilities, became the core of the guiding principles on which Starfire Sports is based: a place where all kids can be equal participants in sports activities, regardless of race, religion, social background or ability level; where they can learn valuable lessons in teamwork, honesty, integrity and in fulfilling their own potential; and where they will be encouraged to put maximum effort and commitment into their education and their family life.

The opportunity that created a home for Starfire Sports occurred in 2002, when a budget shortfall caused King County to close a number of its parks and recreation facilities. Fort Dent Park, in Tukwila, was one of those sites designated for closure until an unprecedented, cooperative effort between municipalities and private citizens changed its fate. The city of Tukwila agreed to get involved by taking over ownership of the park, then signing a 40-year concession agreement with the newly founded nonprofit organization Starfire Sports. In March 2003, Starfire launched its operations and began massive construction and renovations on the site.

Two years later, the result of these efforts is a sports complex that is unique in its community. The Starfire complex features four grass soccer fields, four lighted, artificial-turf soccer fields (usable year-round), two high-quality indoor soccer fields and a four-field softball/baseball facility. The complex is ideally located to fulfill its mission, surrounded by some of the poorest communities in King County. These neighborhoods are home to high concentrations of children living below the poverty line, ranging from 14 to 22% (compared to the county average of 9.9%).

Starfire Sports is actively building partnerships with other organizations dedicated to enriching the lives of these children. With the help of our partners, we will continue expanding our reach as we seek to involve as many of these kids as possible.