Eastern Washington University (EWU) has been a steady presence in the Spokane region educating countless regional students since its doors opened in 1882. EWU and USL Spokane are partnering to continue this legacy of providing learning opportunities for the Inland Northwest.
EWU will be the presenting sponsor of USL Spokane’s first Learning Lab. This Learning Lab will offer area high school students the opportunity to receive an inside peak into the front office functions of USL Spokane.
“Eastern Washington University is a shining light of accessibility, educational excellence, and pride for the Inland Northwest, said Tate Kelly, Vice President of Partnerships. “We are honored that this longtime treasure in our region is partnering with us to support our mission for strengthening and bringing opportunity to the community. I have seen the impacts of a learning lab in other communities and am super excited to make it happen here with EWU.”
The front office is crucial to USL Spokane’s success and includes a range of positions including managing team housing, player integration, human resources, accounting, marketing, game day operations, retail operations, and more.
Interested students who are selected will receive a VIP tour of the ONE Spokane Stadium and hear from coaches, front office staff, ownership, and more. If students are passionate about working in a professional sports front office, this Learning Lab will provide them with an understanding of the necessary skills and bolster their confidence in pursuing this career field.
“Eastern Washington University is thrilled to be a part of this great community partnership with USL Spokane,” added EWU President Shari McMahan. “The Learning Lab exemplifies Eastern’s commitment to ensuring area students are exposed to diverse career pathways through applied learning opportunities like this one.”
EWU is also an Impact Blue Elite Partner with USL Spokane and the Official Game Day Sponsor of one Spokane Zephyr FC match and one Spokane Velocity FC match this season. As an Impact Blue Elite Partner, the university is a top-level supporter of bringing professional soccer to Spokane, and aligning with a vision for economic development, community building, and bringing greater equity to women’s sports.
EWU will also have signage in various areas of the Spokane ONE Stadium to remind our community of the high quality and accessible programs the university offers ranging from business and MBA, to sports management and marketing. The signage will include concourses, the soccer pitch, TV-facing LED boards and permanent Inner Bowl Field level displays.
USL Spokane will field two professional soccer teams and one pre-professional team in Spokane. The men’s team, the Spokane Velocity FC, will play as a Division III team in USL League One with a first match on the road March 9 at Greenville Triumph and home opener on March 16 at the new ONE Spokane Stadium. The Spokane Zephyr FC, a women’s professional team, will play in the USL Super League that is expected to be sanctioned as a Division I league, starting in August 2024. A pre-professional women’s team made up of elite college players will play in the USL W League.
