Starfire is excited to welcome Rhonda Lewis to its Board of Directors

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Respected Community Leader Rhonda Lewis Joins Starfire’s Board of Directors

 

 Starfire adds King County Council chief of staff to rapidly expanding board in support of organization’s focus on community impact, youth empowerment

TUKWILA, Wash. – (February 5, 2025) – Starfire Sports announced today that King County Council Chief of Staff Rhonda Lewis has joined its board of directors, bringing more than three decades of public-service experience and deep-rooted community connections to the social-enterprise nonprofit. Lewis currently serves Councilmember Girmay Zahilay in King County’s District 2.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Rhonda to our Board of Directors,” said Chris Slatt, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of the Board. “Her extensive knowledge of the local community—combined with her empathy and passion for uplifting youth—will bring invaluable insight to Starfire. Rhonda is truly the perfect fit for our mission.”

Starfire is a nonprofit organization committed to ensuring that every young person in the community has the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive—on and off the field. For more than 20 years, Starfire has served as a vibrant hub for world-class soccer in the Pacific Northwest. The organization is actively expanding its board and service offerings to help meet an increasing need for safe, inclusive spaces, particularly among underprivileged populations in South King County. 

Recent studies show that many families in Starfire’s service area cannot afford access to quality afterschool programs, especially as local school districts continue to cut budgets and diminish their investment in youth vocational programming. Over the past two years alone, demand for Starfire programs has grown more than 200 percent, with financial assistance requests nearly tripling over the same period. 

“I’ve witnessed the incredible success of Starfire’s STEM program and the profound impact it has had on young people,” said Lewis. “I’m thrilled to support soccer, STEM, and the expanded, inclusive programming that will help our youth grow stronger physically and mentally as they prepare for their futures.”

In 2019, Starfire launched its innovative STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) program to meet the evolving needs of the community. In 2024, more than 50 percent of STEM participants accessed the program at no cost, underscoring Starfire’s commitment to making soccer and educational programs accessible to all youth. Parents of participants have reported measurable growth in their children’s science knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork skills.

Looking ahead, Starfire is poised to launch bold new initiatives designed to equip local youth with the tools they need to thrive in all aspects of their lives. While evolving to meet the community’s needs, Starfire remains steadfast in its original mission: to connect with and empower youth and families. 

Starfire Co-founder Slatt emphasized that Lewis’s deep expertise in nonprofit management and her ability to forge impactful government partnerships will be critical as Starfire charts an ambitious path to meet the challenges of 2025 and beyond.

More information on Starfire Sports is available at www.starfiresports.com. 

 

About Starfire
Starfire is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit social enterprise organization delivering inclusive, worldclass soccer experiences and social programs that inspire, encourage, and empower the thousands of youths who participate in our classes, leagues, jamborees, and sanctioned tournaments throughout the year. Starfire’s commitment to providing the community with access to world-class facilities and programs brings 1.3 million visits to the campus each year for soccer programs, the Starfire STEM Academy for Pre-K through sixth grade students, soccer tournaments, team practices and training, and amateur and professional games.

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Media Contact: 
Mikkell Roeland
Starfire Sports
mikkell@starfiresports.com
(206) 431-3232

Eric Olmstead, Starfire’s New CEO, Will Heighten Focus on Programs for Youth and Families – says “Soccer was Just the Beginning”

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Capitalizing on 20 years of world-class soccer and a new STEM academy, Starfire aims to multiply impact on community youth

TUKWILA, Wash—June 14, 2024—Starfire Sports, widely recognized for bringing world-class soccer programs to youth and families, announced today a new emphasis on its already successful community outreach programs. The newly appointed CEO, Eric Olmstead, will take Starfire beyond its lauded STEM Academy program and launch new youth enrichment programs. Olmstead takes the helm on July 8th.

About Starfire’s new focus, Eric Olmstead said: “Starfire will increase our community programs and outreach efforts. We will actively seek the support of local government, philanthropic organizations, and businesses—because we are confident that by working together, we can increase opportunities for today’s youth. Soccer was just the beginning.”

Starfire’s initial success beyond soccer has been impressive. Parents report that their children enrolled in Starfire’s after-school STEM program showed marked improvement in general science knowledge, problem-solving skills, collaboration and teamwork, as well as having more positive relationships with mentors and teachers due to Starfire’s innovative approach that inspires today’s youth.

“I have seen kids’ enthusiasm for Starfire,” said City of Tukwila Mayor Thomas McLeod. “The excitement begins when they play on the same fields as their favorite athletes and carries over to engaging STEM classes. Starfire has done a great job making these programs accessible to all families. I look forward to working with Eric and Starfire on expanded programs for our diverse community.”

Starfire’s exceptional campus — used by the Seattle Sounders FC, the Seattle Reign FC, and Seattle Seawolves Rugby team— brought professional recognition to its youth programs but never changed Starfire’s fundamental mission: to connect with the community and empower youth to seize opportunity. Christopher Slatt, Starfire’s Co-founder and Executive Chairman, explains that the next Starfire phase comes as a direct result of this successful 20-year history and unwavering resolve to serve the local community.  

“Eric is no stranger to Starfire,” said Christopher Slatt. “After serving 8 years on Starfire’s board, he has a deep knowledge of Starfire’s programs, history, and community service mission. His commitment to Starfire, coupled with his extensive experience building relationships—uniquely qualifies him to usher in this new era of community programs at Starfire. Eric is the perfect person to drive Starfire’s next phase.”

About Starfire Sports:
Starfire is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization delivering inclusive, world-class soccer experiences and social programs that inspire, encourage, and empower the thousands of youths who participate in our classes, leagues, jamborees, and sanctioned tournaments throughout the year. Starfire’s commitment to providing the community with access to world-class facilities and programs brings 1.3 million visits to the campus each year for soccer programs, the Starfire STEM Academy for Pre-K through sixth grade students, soccer tournaments, team practices and training, and amateur and professional games.

Contact:
Ashley Gregory
marketing@starfiresports.com

COVID-19 Announcement (3/13/2020)

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Considering last night’s announcement from the Seattle Mayor’s Office closing all city libraries and community centers, including recreation facilities, it is with great dismay that Starfire announces we will be suspending all operations effective immediately. While we have fully implemented the state and local mandatory health guidance for events less than 250 people, we feel it is important to support unified action and follow the lead of Seattle in closing their recreation facilities. With this, we will be suspending all current Starfire programming and rentals until further notice.

However, we understand that there is a significant community need for child support that will allow working parents to continue supporting their families during school closures.  To help fill this need, Starfire will be offering daytime camps for children of school age beginning on March 16th.  The camp program will be fully compliant with the state and county health official guidelines.

We have not made these decisions without understanding the important role that Starfire has in the lives of many in our community, and are determined to help however we can. We are currently planning production of some online resources to keep minds and bodies active while at home. And, as restrictions and guidance changes, we will seek to add and/or resume existing programming where needed and appropriate.

Upon customer request, Starfire will issue a credit for the remaining winter session fixtures. We know this is an exceptionally difficult time for everyone in our community, but if financially feasible, Starfire would greatly appreciate your continued support during this shutdown:

  • Request that your credit be converted into a tax-deductible donation, or simply choose not to request your credit;
  • Register online for an upcoming session to save a spot in one of our programs once we are able to resume operation; and/or
  • Make a tax-deductible donation—Starfire is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation!

Any support you are able to give will be invaluable in helping Starfire weather the storm, and allow us to continue providing world-class sports and social programming to our community for years to come.

We will continue to update our websiteand Facebook pagewith the latest information regarding our response to this pandemic.

COVID-19 Announcement (3/12/2020)

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The health and safety of our community is our top concern, and we are doing our part to help contain the spread of this virus by complying with the various orders from the Governor’s Office and King County [read more in our initial statement]. This is a rapidly evolving situation, and there are a lot of unknowns. We are making daily assessments based on Public Health’s guidance, and we will do our best to communicate any changes in our operations as quickly as possible.  

At this time our campus remains open, and we hope our community members will utilize Starfire for some relief and peace of mind during this stressful time. We are actively looking into additional ways to support our community as we navigate through this period together.

Measures we are taking to help contain the spread of this virus: 

  • Postponing all events and gatherings of 250 people or larger until further notice 
  • Increasing the level and frequency of facility cleanings throughout our facility

COVID-19 Announcement (3/11/2020)

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Valued Starfire Members and Guests,

We feel it is important to share the actions we are taking in response to the Governor’s Executive Proclamation on COVID-19 Community Mitigation Strategies [text][video] and the Seattle and King County Local Health Officer Order Addressing COVID-19 in King County [link].

Nothing is more important than the health and safety of our members, guests and employees. We are not experts on infectious diseases, but we are lucky to have state and county leaders that are guided by world class experts in this field. We will fully follow their direction which today was codified in the Governors Proclamation and the Seattle and King County Order and continue to monitor their direction and adapt our policies as changes to this direction occur.

Today’s state and county orders specifically prohibit events of 250 people or more. For events with fewer than 250 attendees (the vast majority of activity at Starfire) we will take several steps to minimize risk as directed by today’s proclamations:

  1. We strongly encourage older adults and individuals with underlying medical conditions (including our employees) that are at increased risk of serious COVID-19 to not come to the Starfire campus.
  2. Our guest services personnel will monitor and encourage all spectators and non-participants to conform to social distancing recommendations (i.e. limit contact of people within 6 feet from each other for 10 minutes or longer).
  3. We will screen our employees for COVID-19 symptoms each day and send anyone home that exhibits symptoms.
  4. While we always strive to maintain the highest standards when it comes to the cleanliness and hygiene of our campus facilities, we’re taking it even further in response to the State and King County proclamations. Our bathrooms will always be fully stocked with soap and disinfected daily. We will disinfect high-touch surfaces at the Athletic Center fields between matches and other surfaces throughout the building at least once daily. We will also provide additional hand-washing stations between our indoor fields and as you enter the building.
  5. Our employees will not engage in handshakes and high fives and will encourage all participants and spectators to avoid this practice.

You can also help do your part in minimizing risk by limiting additional guests and spectators, not attending if you are exhibiting any signs of illness (cough or even minor elevated temperature), and making sure to practice appropriate hand hygiene.

If you fall within the at-risk population, or generally feel uncomfortable continuing your participation in a Starfire program at this time, we will issue you a credit for your remaining session fixtures. Please email info@starfiresports.com.

We are grateful and thankful for your continued support. Please routinely check our website and Facebook page for the latest information.

2019 Candy Cane Challenge Recap

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Thank you to all who participated in the 2019 Candy Cane Challenge. We had over 185 teams in this year’s tournament, and crowned 30+ champions. Check out photos of our champions and actions shots from the week, or the 2019 recap video below! You can also visit our Instagram page to watch the Candy Cane Highlight Reel at the top of our feed!

If you attended this event, please let us know how we did by filling out our 2019 tournament evaluation.

Photos

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Recap Video

2019 Starfire Collegiate Showcase Recap

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Thank you to all who participated in the 2019 Starfire Collegiate Showcase. Participants had the opportunity to face tough competition, receive helpful tips on navigating the college sports market during seminars from Whitehouse Consulting Services, and showcase their skills for college coaches from the Community College to Division I University level. Check our photo gallery, watch tournament highlights and top goals from the event, or view final game results. You can also visit our Instagram page to watch the Boo Fest highlight reel.

If you attended this event, please let us know how we did by filling out our 2019 tournament evaluation.

Event Photos

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Recap Video

Top Five Goals

2019 Turkey Shoot Jamboree Recap

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Thank you to all who participated in the 2019 Turkey Shoot Jamboree. We had a wonderful time showing our thanks for soccer, and hope you did too! Check our photo gallery and the 2019 recap video below! You can also visit our Instagram page to watch the Turkey Shoot highlight reel.

If you attended this event, please let us know how we did by filling out our 2019 tournament evaluation.

Event Photos

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Recap Video