Sylvester Middle School students and community members gathered this month to celebrate a new soccer mini pitch and track and field.
Project Information
The new track and synthetic field are part of the 2022 school bond projects approved by local voters. The mini pitch was donated by Sounders FC fans through the RAVE Foundation, the charitable arm of Seattle Sounders FC.
A modular restroom was installed next to the field and mini pitch with the help of state funding administered by the Department of Commerce. The restroom is waiting for one part to arrive before becoming operational.
Celebration
Following a school assembly with Sounders FC Legend and Brand Ambassador Brad Evans, hundreds of students and community members gathered for an opening event starting on the soccer mini pitch.
Attendees enjoyed free tacos from El Cabrito food truck, free fruit popsicles from Ma & Pops, free youth soccer balls, drills and games on the big field orchestrated by Seatown FC, music by DJ Luke Cruz, a 360-degree photo booth and more!
Sylvester student and soccer player Josh Olivera Alvarado said a few words of appreciation for the new athletic facilities.
Sounders FC Legend Roman Torres presented Josh with a Sounders FC jersey and spoke to him in Spanish. Then Josh, Roman and Brad practiced keeping a soccer ball from hitting the ground while they kicked it in the air to each other. Josh had the privilege of kicking the first goal.
Following the opening ceremony, the crowd dispersed to check out the new field and track and try the 360-degree camera station, as well as play games and drills set up by Seatown FC, a soccer academy.
Inspiration for New Track & Field
In 2018, KeyBank recognized Burien resident Danny House for his contributions to the community. The bank donated $20,000 in Danny’s name to the Highline Schools Foundation, earmarked for this project. This original donation for the project is what sparked the idea to renovate the track and field. Danny was present at the celebration and his early involvement was recognized during the presentation.
Event Speakers
- Sounders FC Legend and Brand Ambassador Brad Evans
- President of RAVE Board and longtime Burien resident, Fred Mendoza
- Cameron Collins, Seattle Sounders FC Alliance Council
- Highline Public Schools School Board President, Angelica Alvarez
- Highline Public Schools Board Member Melissa Petrini
- Highline Public Schools Superintendent, Ivan Duran
- Highline Education Association President, Jeb Binns
- Sounders FC Legend Roman Torres
- Sylvester Soccer Player Josh Olivera Alvarado
