April 14, 2023 declared Ballard FC day in Seattle

PROCLAMATION City of Seattle

Ballard FC Proclamation

WHEREAS The Ballard Football Club won the USI. League 2 National Championship, beating the Lionsbridge Football Club 2-1 on August 5th, 2023 with a decisive goal from Peter Kingston in stoppage time; and

WHEREAS The Ballard FC bas accomplished this in only their second season as a club, compiling a lifetime record in the USL 2 playoffs of 7-1, including winning all five matches in the 2023 playoffs to win the League; and The Ballard FC won the Northwest Division regular season title with a record of 10-1-1, scoring 41 goals during the campaign while conceding only 13 for a goal differential of +28; and

WHEREAS The Ballard FC sold out each league home match for the entire 2023 campaign at their home pitch, Interbay Stadium; and

WHEREAS The Ballard FC advanced through the playoffs to win two opening regional matches before winning the Western Conference Final on July 28th in a thrilling 4-3 extra time victory over the USL2 defending champions; and

WHEREAS The Ballard FC, with their national title, has officially qualified for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, the most prestigious soccer tournament in North America, which has operated annually since 1913 and the Seattle Sounders have won 4 separate times, allowing the Ballard FC to play next year against clubs in upper divisions within the U.S. soccer pyramid; and

WHEREAS The Ballard FC knows the importance of giving back to the community, they do this through engagement with fans, the establishment of the Ballard FC Foundation to provide free soccer camps and clinics to youth in the greater Seattle area, and impactful partnerships with the Ballard Food Bank and Nordic Museum, among others;

NOW, THEREFORE THE MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBER RECOGNIZE THE IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTIONS THE BALLARD FC CLUB HAS MADE TO THE COMMUNITY AND PROCLAIM MONDAY AUGUST 14th OF 2023, TO BE BALLARD FC DAY.