For many families, the cost of youth sports can be the difference between playing and watching from the sidelines. Thanks to support from the MLS GO PLAY FUND, kids in Greater Seattle got their shot to step on the field and experience what it feels like to be part of a team.
The YMCA of Greater Seattle used its grant to launch its first MLS GO season, welcoming more than 200 players across six branches. The funding didn’t just cover registration, uniforms, and equipment. It removed barriers that had kept youth players out of the game, and replaced them with moments of belonging and teamwork.
We sat down with Talia Walton, Interim Program Executive of Youth Development at the YMCA of Greater Seattle, to hear how this support is creating lasting impact for kids, families, and their community.
Can you give us a snapshot of your YMCA community?
At the YMCA of Greater Seattle, strengthening the community is our cause. We work side by side with our neighbors throughout King, Pierce, and south Snohomish counties to help kids and families thrive, and apply their positive behaviors and goals at home, school, the workplace, and beyond. In our inaugural MLS GO season, we served 206 youth across six branches.
How did the MLS GO PLAY FUND support your program this season?
This season, the MLS GO PLAY FUND made a huge impact by offsetting registration costs for our families, along with equipment support.
What’s one challenge this funding helped remove for families?
One of the biggest challenges this funding helped remove was the financial barrier that often keeps families from enrolling their kids in sports. Registration fees, uniforms, and other costs can add up quickly, and for many families, that becomes the deciding factor in whether their child can participate. With support from this funding, we were able to significantly offset those expenses, making the program affordable and accessible.
Have you noticed a difference in participation?
Since receiving the grant, we’ve seen a clear increase in participation and family engagement. Many families enrolled two or more children in the program—something we don’t see as much as we’d like in our traditional leagues—because we were able to offset registration costs at a much higher rate than usual.
This not only eased the financial burden on families but also allowed siblings and friends to participate together, creating a stronger sense of connection and community. We also noticed greater diversity among participants, as the reduced costs opened the door for families who may not have had access to organized sports otherwise. The grant truly broadened our reach, enabling us to welcome more youth onto the field, and in turn strengthening both family involvement and the overall impact of our programming.
Was there a standout moment from this season?
We partnered with RAVE Foundation and the Seattle Sounders to host YMCA Day, where 15 youth from the Auburn and Northshore YMCAs were featured as the RAVE Community Kids of the Match.
Decked out in their MLS GO Seattle Sounders kits, they had the unforgettable experience of walking through the tunnel, stepping onto the field, and being recognized on the big screen. It was an incredible moment for our participants, their families, and our organization as a whole.
What would you say to other organizations considering applying for the MLS GO PLAY FUND?
I would encourage any organization to apply for the MLS GO PLAY FUND because the impact extends far beyond the field. At the YMCA, we see every day how powerful sports can be when barriers are removed and opportunities are created. Access to programs like MLS GO ensures that all youth—regardless of background or financial situation—can participate, belong, and grow through the game.
Sports build confidence, leadership, teamwork, and resilience, but more importantly, they connect young people to their peers, mentors, and community. When we engage youth in sports, we’re not just teaching them how to play—we’re giving them a safe space to discover who they are, to feel seen, and to thrive.
The MLS GO PLAY FUND has helped us create those moments and expand access, and I believe every organization has the chance to spark that same ripple effect. The investment you make by applying doesn’t just impact individual kids—it strengthens families and unites communities.
What has been the response from families?
Families were thrilled and grateful to experience an opportunity like MLS GO. It stood out from our traditional YMCA programming in several ways, most notably through the professional-style branding of the uniforms that allowed participants to look and feel like their favorite teams.
Instead of just a T-shirt, each player received a full kit with socks and shorts, adding to the sense of pride and excitement. Beyond the uniforms, MLS GO also created unique experiences such as being named RAVE Community Kids of the Match and attending a Sounders game, making it truly unforgettable.
How does this connect with the YMCA’s mission?
The MLS GO PLAY FUND directly aligns with the YMCA’s mission of youth development and strengthening community. By removing financial and access barriers, this grant allows us to create opportunities for all kids to participate in sports, regardless of their background. Engaging youth in programs like MLS GO helps them build confidence, resilience, and teamwork while also fostering a sense of belonging and connection.
These experiences extend beyond the field—bringing families together, uniting communities, and nurturing the next generation of leaders. Ultimately, the grant amplifies our impact by ensuring that every child has the chance to grow, thrive, and reach their full potential through the power of play.
Apply for the MLS GO PLAY FUND
The YMCA of Greater Seattle is just one example of how the MLS GO PLAY FUND changes lives through the power of play. Grants are available for current or future MLS GO league operators and participants.
