More Than a Game: A Special Day with the Washington Spirit
“Wow, she looks like me!”
Those were the words of one little girl from SOME’s housing program when she opened her goodie bag at a Washington Spirit soccer match and discovered a Trinity Rodman bobblehead. For the rest of the game, she excitedly pointed out Rodman every time she appeared on the field.
It was one of many memorable moments during a special afternoon at Audi Field, where families served by SOME enjoyed an unforgettable VIP experience thanks to the generosity of the American Beverage Association (ABA) and the Washington Spirit.
An Afternoon of Firsts
On Saturday, October 17, families from SOME’s housing program were treated to an afternoon filled with excitement, connection, and new experiences. The Washington Spirit and ABA helped make the outing possible, providing transportation and a VIP game-day experience that included opportunities to meet players, step onto the field, receive special gifts, and enjoy the match from VIP seats.
For nearly every family who attended, it was their first time experiencing a professional soccer match. Several shared that an opportunity like this had never been within reach for them before.
One mother turned the outing into a special “mommy and me” day with her daughter. Another surprised her son with tickets to the match. For a young girl who plays soccer herself, watching professional women compete at the highest level was an opportunity to see what might be possible for her own future.
And for the little girl who received the Trinity Rodman bobblehead, the moment was about more than getting a souvenir. It was about seeing someone who looked like her succeeding on one of the biggest stages in women’s soccer.
Special moments from the Washington Spirit game-day experience.
Creating Moments That Matter
For families navigating the challenges of housing instability and financial hardship, opportunities for recreation and new experiences can be difficult to access. Much of their time and energy is focused on meeting immediate needs and building stability for themselves and their children.
At SOME, we believe caring for the whole person means recognizing the importance of joy, connection, dignity, and belonging alongside essential services like housing, healthcare, and employment support.
An afternoon cheering from the stands, meeting professional athletes, or sharing an unforgettable experience with a parent can create lasting memories and inspire new dreams.
As families prepared to leave Audi Field, many stopped to thank SOME staff and share how much the experience meant to them. Some even asked whether they might have the opportunity to attend another match in the future.
Partnerships That Make a Difference
This experience was made possible through the generosity and collaboration of the American Beverage Association and the Washington Spirit, whose commitment to the community extends beyond the soccer field.
We are also grateful to the dedicated staff across SOME, particularly our Family Services team, who worked together to coordinate transportation, bring families together, and make the experience possible.
Through partnerships like these, we can create opportunities that go beyond meeting immediate needs, helping families feel supported, connected, and valued as members of our community.
Thank you to the American Beverage Association and the Washington Spirit for giving SOME families an afternoon of excitement, inspiration, and memories they will carry long after the final whistle.
