Working directly with Frei to spotlight causes that are important to him, content will be unveiled through written, video, and social across The Players’ Tribune’s and MLS’ channels, amplifying the power of Frei’s voice and raising awareness for charities close to his heart.
Frei has a longstanding history of positively impacting the community through his relationship with Seattle Children’s Hospital and its Kick Childhood Cancer nonprofit. Since beginning his work in 2017, he has been a driving force behind Scarves Fighting Cancer, which has now surpassed half a million dollars raised for pediatric cancer research at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Frei has poured his time, creativity and humility into the cause, using his passion for art to design limited-edition scarves, prints and collaborations – including the popular You Shall Not Pass series and exclusive designs with glassybaby – that have sold out season after season. Beyond fundraising, Frei has cultivated meaningful relationships year after year with children and families facing the unimaginable. Harnessing his platform and the power of the Sounders community, Frei’s extraordinary character shines through in every effort as he inspires hope and fuels research in the fight against childhood cancer.
"The kids I’ve had the privilege to meet show unbelievable strength every day, and their courage puts everything into perspective,” said Frei. “If sharing my work as an artist can help fund research and bring families hope, I am proud to do that. If spending time with these kids can help lift their spirits, even briefly, then it’s worth every effort. I’m deeply grateful to Audi for their generous support, which will help bring researchers closer to more cures for kids battling cancer in our community and beyond."
In support of Frei’s incredible work driving progress off the field, Audi will be making a $50,000 contribution through the Audi Goals Drive Progress fund to the nonprofit organization Frei selected: Seattle Children’s Hospital.
A five-time recipient of Sounders FC’s Humanitarian of the Year award, Frei’s contributions in the community have mirrored his on-field achievements since coming to Seattle in 2014. In addition to his efforts on behalf of childhood cancer, he has also worked extensively over the years to benefit environmental preservation, social justice, voting awareness and youth athletics. The goalkeeper is a longtime ambassador for Sounders FC’s charitable partner RAVE Foundation, furthering its statewide movement to build soccer mini-pitches across Washington in communities where access to free play is limited
Sounders FC’s all-time leader in appearances spanning all competitions dating back to 1974, Frei ranks second all-time among MLS goalkeepers in appearances, wins and shutouts, both in regular-season and postseason play. The 2017 MLS All-Star has led Sounders FC to six major trophies since 2014, earning 2016 MLS Cup MVP and 2022 Concacaf Champions Cup Player of the Tournament honors. He is the only player to have ever won MLS Cup, Supporters’ Shield, Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, Canadian Championship, Concacaf Champions Cup and Leagues Cup.
As MLS celebrates its landmark 30th season, the Audi Goals Drive Progress Impact Award returns to recognize players making a difference beyond the pitch, highlighting Audi’s continued commitment to community impact. A selection committee – comprised of current players, technical staff, front office staff and media members – will consider current MLS players who are dedicated to enriching lives and improving communities across the league. The selected player will receive a $150,000 contribution to support their charity of choice, with the award presented during MLS Cup presented by Audi.
In their decade of partnership with MLS, Audi has played a key role in supporting the development of young soccer players, most notably as the force behind the Audi Goals Drive Progress initiative . Launched in 2019, the initiative focuses on removing financial and logistical barriers that limit access to the sport, providing funding to MLS academies for education, housing, and transportation – all critical elements in developing talented players across the league. The Audi Goals Drive Progress initiative has evolved beyond on-field player development to also support and spotlight the community initiatives led by players. Since its inception, Audi has contributed more than $5 million to support MLS academies and player selected charity organizations.
