Soccer’s popularity is unmatched in the Evergreen State
By Heather Dale
The fact Seattle was chosen to be the host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is proof of how popular soccer is in the state of Washington.
The most recent World Cup was the second most viewed sporting event in the world (behind the Tour de France), drawing 3.3 billion viewers, and that number figures to grow when it arrives in Washington in three years. The World Cup is expected to propel the popularity of the sport in an already soccer-mad state, which features a host of programs dedicated to youth and amateur adult players. Here are a few destinations that offer exceptional programs and facilities for soccer players throughout Washington.
Sports at Seattle Southside
Seattle Southside, which encompasses the cities of SeaTac, Tukwila, and Des Moines, offers a variety of excellent sports facilities. Starfire Sports Complex, located in Tukwila, is one of the largest soccer facilities in the country. It features 12 outdoor fields, including both natural grass and artificial turf, and hosts numerous soccer tournaments, leagues, and training programs. The Des Moines Fieldhouse is another versatile indoor facility in the Seattle Southside that offers a range of sports activities. It features basketball courts, volleyball courts, and an indoor turf field. The fieldhouse hosts leagues, tournaments, and recreational programs for various sports.
When not competing, families can visit the Marine Science and Technology Center in Des Moines. This facility is dedicated to learning about the Puget Sound and its ecosystem and teaching future generations about their findings. The 2,500-square-foot facility offers public space including an aquarium. Two touch tanks and more than 15 other tanks totaling approximately 3,000 gallons of flow-through seawater showcase over 250 native marine species in the aquarium.
Soccer in Snohomish County
Stocker Fields, in Snohomish, is the home of the Snohomish Youth Soccer Club. With an impressive property boasting up to 17 soccer fields, ample parking, and exceptional facilities, Stocker Fields has been a long-standing venue for various soccer tournaments and sporting events. For more than 25 years, it has proudly hosted the Snohomish Bigfoot Soccer Tournament, Kla Ha Ya Adult Soccer Tournaments, and served as the chosen location for the 2021 and 2022 US Club Soccer Northwest Cup Regionals. Beyond soccer, Stocker Fields is a versatile facility capable of accommodating a range of other sports and activities. It is equipped to host flag football, Ultimate Frisbee, archery, lacrosse, and outdoor drone racing, providing a diverse and exciting venue for athletes and enthusiasts alike. Notably, the Snohomish Youth Soccer Club annually organizes the renowned Snohomish United Bigfoot Soccer Tournament and the Kla Ha Ya Adult Soccer Tournament, both of which draw significant participation from across Washington state. With more than 300 teams competing over four days, the Snohomish Youth Soccer Club’s tournament stands as one of the largest youth soccer events in Western Washington. Open to both boys and girls, teams ranging from u8 to u19 showcase their skills and passion for the sport in this highly anticipated competition.
Born from a need for a safe space where families and children could spend quality time together, Imagine Children’s Museum was created in 1991. Today, groups can experience lots of free and guided play through interactive exhibits, role-playing, experimenting, creating and having fun. They offer three levels of amazing indoor and outdoor interactive exhibits for kids ages 1 to 12.
Sports and more at Tri-Cities
The Road 68 Soccer Complex in Pasco is one of the finest youth soccer facilities in the Pacific Northwest. Featuring 15 soccer fields on 45 acres, the complex can host any tournament. It features one tournament field with grass seating for 2,000, concessions, a picnic area and a playground area.
The Tri-Cities also has incredible watersports and recreation spots available, particularly around the confluence of the Columbia River, Snake River and Yakima River. This part of the Tri-Cities offers spectacular views to go along with watersports like boating, kayaking, paddleboarding and more. The Columbia River is also host to the HAPO Columbia Cup, which in 2022 celebrated the 56th time Unlimited Hydroplanes have raced on the river’s 2.5-mile course.
The legacy of Sacajawea and the pioneers of the Lewis & Clark Expedition can be found at Sacajawea Historical State Park. Explore 267 acres and discover the Seven Story Circle installations created by world-renowned artist Maya Lin. Visit the Sacajawea Interpretive Center for museum exhibits that tell the story of how a Shoshone woman became instrumental in the Corps of Discovery’s successful expedition.
Soccer Facilities around Yakima Valley
The U.S. Soccer Foundation, along with the Social Innovation Fund, has created an initiative called Soccer for Success provided by the Washington Youth Soccer Foundation. Schools throughout Yakima, Tacoma, Kent and Auburn are provided with three 90-minute after-school sessions for two 12-week seasons during the fall and spring.
Yakima Valley is also home to a variety of excellent facilities that can host any tournament. Sozo Sports Complex offers a wide range of outdoor and indoor sports activities. One of its standout features is the Sozo Arena, a 90,000-square-foot indoor facility that can accommodate up to eight basketball courts, 16 volleyball courts, and four futsal courts. Not only does the state-of-the-art arena provide various options for indoor sports, but the complex itself also boasts 13 multipurpose outdoor fields suitable for soccer, football, lacrosse, and more.
When not playing soccer, families can visit the Yakima Family Fun Center for epic playtime. Fly around in Go Karts on a 600-foot lighted concrete track. Play a round of putt-putt on the 18-hole mini golf course featuring ponds and fun obstacles. Take a swing at the batting cages or try your luck at the arcade with more than 45 exciting games.
