NWSL with a Community Partner Program

For Immediate Release

media@wavefc.com

SAN DIEGO WAVE FÚTBOL CLUB ANNOUNCES COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP WITH UNITED WOMEN OF EAST AFRICA FOR 2022 NATIONWIDE COMMUNITY IMPACT PROGRAM

Season-long initiative focuses on giving back to community partners

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (July 11, 2022) – In collaboration with the National Women’s Soccer League, San Diego Wave Fútbol Club is honored to announce a community partnership with the United Women of East Africa as part of the 2022 Nationwide Community Impact Program. Naomi Girma, a San Diego Wave FC defender with Ethiopian roots, will act as ambassador for the season-long program.

Established in 2021, the Nationwide Community Impact Program is a civically focused initiative promoting community partners and advancing local service projects chosen and led by each NWSL team.

On Sunday, August 7, Wave FC will kick off its partnership and recognize the United Women of East Africa in an appreciation game versus Kansas City Current at Torero Stadium. The match, which kicks off at 2 p.m. PT, will feature a pre-game ceremony on-field with the presentation of a Nationwide donation check benefitting the United Women of East Africa.

“Giving back to the community is a foundational component of the NWSL, led by our exemplary players, fans, staff and stakeholders,” said NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman. “We saw incredible participation and excitement around last year’s Nationwide Community Impact Program from all of our clubs and fans, and we’re excited to build on that this season.”

At the conclusion of the 2022 season, the program will culminate with the Nationwide Community Impact Award, where one club and its partner will be recognized for their exemplary commitment off the field. The award winner will be honored during the 2022 NWSL Championship weekend in October, with the winning community partner receiving a $25,000 donation from Nationwide to further their organization’s efforts. In addition, each participating community partner will receive a $5,000 grant.

Last year, OL Reign won the inaugural award in support of the Black Future Co-Op Fund, a new paradigm for philanthropy uplifting Black-led solutions that ignite Black generational wealth, health, and well-being.

A full list of player ambassadors, community partners and team appreciation nights can be found below*.

For more information about the 2022 Nationwide Community Impact Program, click here.

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About San Diego Wave Fútbol Club

San Diego Wave Fútbol Club is the 12th and newest member of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). The club’s vision is to be a force for good through the game we love and is led by President Jill Ellis, former head coach of the US Women’s National Team (USWNT) and two-time World Cup champion. Together with Head Coach Casey Stoney, the club will bring the highest level of world-class, professional soccer to San Diego. USWNT standouts Alex Morgan and Abby Dahlkemper were two of the first players signed to the club that consists of athletes representing six international soccer federations, including US, Mexico, Canada, Sweden, England and Australia. The team will begin play during its inaugural season at its temporary home, University of San Diego’s Torero Stadium. The new Snapdragon Stadium will serve as Wave FC’s permanent home upon completion of construction, scheduled for September 2022. Learn more about the club and players at www.SanDiegoWaveFC.com.

Editor's Note: Having no idea of this program until NOW, we had not been contacted whether it be by the league or local team to be considered for this. Of late we have been dealing with a 40+ year old 501(c)3. The local team is well aware of us and our efforts. Last year we were able to redistribute over $50,000 in goods to those with less, both those involved and not in soccer. Much of what we do is posted to our Facebook page.