Hargis Engineers and Washington Youth Soccer Launch Path to Pitch Scholarship
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Shannon Brush (206) 448-3376
Principal, Marketing & Business Development
Hargis Engineers and Washington Youth Soccer Launch Flagship Scholarship to Expand Access to Youth Soccer
Inaugural fundraising event, inspired by Seattle’s global soccer moment, raises significant support for young athletes
Seattle, WA — June 16, 2026 — Hargis Engineers, in partnership with Washington Youth Soccer (WYS),announced the launch of the Path to Pitch Scholarship, a flagship initiative designed to remove financial barriers and expand access to youth soccer across Washington State.
Introduced at a co-hosted June 11 fundraiser, the scholarship served as both a celebration of soccer and a moment of alignment across the community. Washington Youth Soccer supports more than 93,000 athletes statewide, reflecting the strength of the sport and its role in youth development. With rising interest inspired by the global spotlight on soccer, projections show an additional 8,700 young athletes will seek to join the game in the near future.
Through the inaugural campaign, the partnership raised $117,000, directly supporting scholarships that enable more young athletes to participate in competitive youth soccer, regardless of financial circumstances.
“This initiative reflects a shared belief that access to sport should not be limited by cost,” said Jared Robillard, Principal, Hargis. “Soccer builds discipline, teamwork, and confidence skills that extend far beyond the field. We are proud to partner with Washington Youth Soccer to invest in that future.”
A Community Effort with Global Energy
The event captured the spirit of soccer as a global unifier and local connector. Supporters from across the region came together to celebrate the game and the opportunities it creates for young people.
Community supporters who champion Seattle’s philanthropic spirit helped strengthen the evening’s appeal through a special guest appearance and the donation of exclusive raffle items from a personal collection of MLS signature memorabilia. These one-of-a-kind contributions increased excitement, expanded the event’s fundraising potential, and created meaningful connections between fans and the professional game, while reinforcing the value of strong youth development pathways.
“This was a celebration of what soccer makes possible,” said Roger Levesque, Washington Youth Soccer Executive Director. “It brings people together, builds community, and opens doors for young athletes to grow both on and off the field.”
Building a Legacy for the Future
Proceeds from the event support the Path to Pitch Scholarship, a cornerstone effort to broaden access to youth soccer and strengthen the broader ecosystem that supports participation.
The long-term vision includes:
Expanding access through financial support
Growing the coaching network to serve more players
Strengthening partnerships across business and community organizations
“We are building something that will serve generations of players,” said Kathy Shireman-King, Washington Youth Foundation Director. “This effort reflects a shared belief in the value of sports and the future of our youth.”
A Call to the Community
Hargis Engineers and Washington Youth Soccer invite individuals, businesses, and community leaders to join in supporting youth soccer across Washington.
Opportunities to get involved include:
Direct financial contributions
Volunteer engagement and mentorship
Corporate and community partnerships
Together, these efforts will help ensure that every young athlete has the opportunity to experience the benefits of soccer. To learn more, visit https://washingtonyouthsoccer.org/path-to-pitch-scholarship/.
About Hargis Engineers
Hargis Engineers is a Seattle-based consulting engineering firm with 230 team members providing mechanical, electrical, telecommunications, security, commissioning, and energy services for public and private clients nationally and internationally. The firm has a long-standing history of supporting student athletes through capital projects in civic and educational environments.
About Washington Youth Soccer
Washington Youth Soccer (WYS) is the largest youth sports association in Washington State, serving more than 93,000 players through a network of over 200 member clubs and organizations statewide. WYS is committed to fostering the physical, mental, and emotional growth of youth through the game of soccer by creating opportunities for players of all backgrounds and ability levels to learn, compete, and thrive. Through leagues, tournaments, player development programs, coaching education, community partnerships, and initiatives supported by the Washington Youth Soccer Foundation, WYS works to grow the game and create meaningful experiences for young athletes across Washington
Note on Event Context:
This event was independently organized by Hargis Engineers and Washington Youth Soccer during a period of global soccer activity in Seattle. References to international competition are for contextual purposes only and do not imply official affiliation.