Tacoma Tide Press Release - www.tacomafc.com

Friday, May 30

FIRCREST, WA - The Tacoma Tide is making an effort to get out into the community and give back by making a number of school appearances in the area’s schools and reach out to the kids.

Most of the players hail from the Puget Sound area so it is a good chance for the players to
give back to the community they grew up in and be role models for the students. They have
conducted skill sessions, talked at assemblies, and passed out soccer gear at these various
schools.

"The experience has been tremendous as we put smiles on kids’ faces while spreading the soccer buzz" - Jon Billings, director of the Tide appearances.

With an organizational-wide focus on being an active member of the Pierce County Community, the Tacoma Tide has been making appearances at local elementary schools. Tide employees, players, and mascot “Surf Dude” have visited schools putting on soccer skills clinics and emphasizing the importance of academics, sportsmanship, and citizenship.

The “Surf Dude” has been a big hit with the kids and is quickly becoming the face of the franchise. Students have been rewarded with tickets to Tide home games and have already been supporters of the team with many faces showing up to recent games. Future visits include trips to Whittier Elementary and to the Bryant Montessori School Block party on May 30th.

"We’ve already had a number of kids come up to us at the games and say, 'Hey, you came to my school!' That’s a good feeling," Billings said.