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Soccer, or football to the rest of the world, has been around for thousands of years. In the United States, 14 million people – and 2.5 million kids – played in 2023 alone. Locally, fans rally around FC Olympia, a community driven Washington State club that provides a path to pro soccer for both men and women.
Founded in 2014, the Artesians compete in USL (outdoor) and arena (indoor) soccer. FC Olympia also have youth soccer camps, youth tournaments and free youth ticketing through the Oly Soccer Foundation. USL Stadium soccer returns to town thanks to Olympic National Team athletes from Japan, New Zealand, Canada and more and USL women defend their eighth ranked spot nationwide. Come cheer for the team at home or on the road when games start back up May 18, 2024.
USL Women’s Head Coach Ben Willis is excited for this season’s opener. The Artesians went undefeated in 2023 and were the NW USL Women’s League Champions including a number one seed in the United States as they clinched the national playoff under former head coach Chris Wells.
Willis can’t wait for them to take the field in 2024.
“We have some top players coming from all over the country and all over the world,” says Willis. “We have multiple Canadian U20 players, Japanese national team players and one of our players was just called into the New Zealand national team. Bringing players from all over the globe to Olympia is such a cool thing and we cannot wait to have the community and the youth players see them play.” Players from 2023 have gone on to professional WSL contracts in the United States, Portugal, Austria and beyond.
He says that their high ranking is a testament to how many players from around the country want to work with FC Olympia’s strong, growing team. “Number 8 is awesome, but now we have to prove it,” says Willis.
The season runs from May 18 through June 30. “Our season is so short, if you want to get out to a game don’t wait,” encourages Willis. “Fans are welcome at any home or away game and youth players get in free so bring all the soccer fans!”
USL Women’s League Assistant Coach Kellyn Green seconds that advice. “The Pacific Northwest is just a hotbed for soccer talent and Olympia is such a great city,” says Green. “FC Olympia soccer fans are loyal and passionate. We love giving local kids players to look up to and see play in their city. Our home games are great for the whole family with games and play areas for kids, food and merchandise tables.”
Green also hopes fans will join them on the road. “We will have more games in the state of Washington this season with the addition of the Tacoma Galaxy to the W-League,” Green explains. “That’s more chances for our fans to travel a short distance to support the team at away games. All the other teams in the league are Oregon based teams in Portland, Eugene and Salem. We would love to have more fans on the road to cheer us on!”
Successful teams require the combined effort of players, coaches, volunteers, management, fans and the community. “This community and this organization are special,” shares Willis. “Club owner Ryan Perkins is so passionate about putting out a good product on and off the field, that it should make the community excited. The support within the club and the community is like nothing I have seen before, and it is truly incredible.”
You can get involved in many important, valuable ways. The first, and easiest, is simple: attend and cheer players on in person. Whether you buy single or season tickets, being a fan is fantastic. Sign up for their newsletter to find match, player signing and game details. Make sure to like, follow and share info about games on X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook to build up buzz and spread the word.
Consider becoming a dedicated volunteer or member of the staff. To sign up, email playnow@olytownfc.com for details. There’s also the Oly Soccer Foundation, which provides free youth ticketing to USL matches, equipment and apparel to low income families, supports youth soccer education camps and hosts the annual Oly Soccer Gala Fundraiser, which Kasey Keller attended this past March in support of FC Olympia.
Organizations and business owners, become a sponsor or donate directly to the program. Nicole Andres, of Nicole’s Bar in downtown Olympia, says sponsoring the Artesians is a thrill and a privilege. “I played soccer myself for 15 years,” she says, “and to have a team like these in my hometown is incredible! Andy Theilen, my business partner, has also been a huge supporter of sports in this community as well. Ryan Perkins and staff have poured their heart and souls into this program and Nicole’s Bar will back them all the way.”
Join Andres, Willis and Green alongside the entire FC Olympia family in putting Thurston County on the map one well-kicked (or big save) goal at a time.
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