The Alliance Council shares the concerns of many regarding the new partnership between Providence and the Seattle Sounders FC. While the announcement focuses on mental health support in teens, and the commitment to bolster resources and options in the community is an admirable step, this does not overshadow the seemingly profound disconnect with the club’s organizational values.
The Seattle Sounders have stood tall as a club that believes, among other things, that “Reproductive Rights are Human Rights” and that they “Stand For LGBTQ+ Equality“. However, these values do not seem to be reflected in Providence’s policies around abortion rights, fairness in the treatment of transgender people, and low-income patients. This is a confusing and disappointing club decision and is in direct opposition to the Sounders’ Social Impact goals and promises.
While the Alliance Council were not consulted on this decision, we will be meeting with Sounders leadership and ownership to discuss this matter and express our concerns over this partnership agreement and what it means to us as a community.
Sounders FC Alliance Council 