The History of Sozo FC
The journey of the Sozo FC soccer club is a testament to the passion for soccer in Yakima, Washington, and the resilience of the club's members and leadership. Starting as the Sun City Strikers in 1985, the club has navigated numerous transformations and partnerships, each time emerging stronger and more competitive.
As the Yakima Youth Soccer Association, the organization faced its share of challenges but never lost sight of its commitment to the growth and development of soccer in the region. The partnership with Crossfire in 2015, forming Crossfire East, was a significant milestone, as it allowed the club to compete in the prestigious RCL league.
The acquisition by Sozo Sports of Central Washington in 2018 marked a new era for the club, with the establishment of Sozo FC. This period saw significant improvements in the club's facilities, coaching staff, and player development programs. The partnership with Santos Laguna from Mexico in 2019 further strengthened the club's connection with the global soccer community and allowed it to expand its reach in the Yakima region.
Today, Sozo FC, through tenacity and grit, is now the fastest-growing club in Central Washington. Providing young athletes with the best coaching, fields, and through its non-profit status provides local and national scholarships to over 25% of our young athletes, putting the best players on the field playing the sport they love. Sozo FC is an example of how a local soccer club can adapt and thrive in the face of change. The club's commitment to excellence and dedication to providing the best possible experience for its players and fans has been enduring throughout its history.
Sozo FC, a longstanding member of the RCL, adheres to its requirement for clubs to operate as non-profit organizations. The RCL is recognized as Washington's most competitive premier league, and Sozo FC's exceptional training facilities are among the finest in the state. Sozo Football club embodies the region's unwavering passion for soccer and serves as a symbol of pride for the Yakima community.
The History of Sozo
The idea of Sozo Sports Complex was founded on a napkin during a lunch between two of our founders, and after years of hard work, (and some blood, sweat, & tears along the way) became one of Yakima's biggest commitments to the athletes & futures of this community.
‘SOZO’ is a Greek word meaning ‘safe place’. Sozo’s mission is to inspire and encourage our youth and community through participation in sports. Our core concept of that mission is to help build life skills for children and life-long participation by adults in a unified community that supports and motivates everyone to move and enjoy activities and athletic competition at the Sozo Sports complex.
Implementing ACEs into our coaching clinics introduces a level of awareness to coaches and families. It is an opportunity to coach restorative practices and to recognize that poor coaching can introduce additional trauma and stress. Positive coaching and intentional connections with youth athletes can help heal those children. Sozo has a remarkable opportunity to ensure our community has an additional layer of positive role models for our youth. Ensuring coaches are confident in first aid for injury additionally supports our mission of a 'safe' place.
