CINCINNATI - SAY Soccer teams from SAY East had the honor of playing the inaugural matches at FC Cincinnati’s TQL Stadium this past weekend.
In a coming together of community leadership, the stadium’s ribbon cutting ceremony and open house featured youth soccer players as the first to take the field in the 26,000-seat stadium.
West End neighbors and families of the players were invited to join season ticket holders to get a first look at what will be the home of FC Cincinnati, now in their third season in the MLS.
Also in attendance were MLS Commissioner Don Garber, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Senator Rob Portman, and Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley.
Matches took place throughout the day, and saw teams from the Passers, Strikers, Wings, and Kickers age divisions face off on two separate fields.
The day was made possible by Kate Olding, Community Relations Coordinator with FC Cincinnati, and Pat Kerrigan, president of SAY East, who even helped referee the matches.
“What a fantastic event – an incredible experience for these players,” Kerrigan commented. “Our sincere thanks for the incredible opportunity to play yesterday at FCC’s stadium. The kids had an amazing time, one that will not be soon forgotten.”
West End Pride brings SAY Soccer to the West End neighborhood of Cincinnati. Fully funded by the FC Cincinnati Foundation and run by volunteer coaches, the program has over 170 players across nine teams for Spring 2021.