USABA and SeattleFWC26 Announce Regional Hub Designation

USABA and SeattleFWC26 Announce Regional Hub Designation, Legacy Strategy, and 2026 International Friendly for Blind Soccer 

The FIFA World Cup 26™ Seattle has partnered with USABA to establish Seattle as Pacific Northwest hub for blind soccer development 

‍

SEATTLE, WA – Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 The U.S. Association of Blind Athletes (USABA) and the Seattle FIFA World Cup 26™ Local Organizing Committee (SeattleFWC26) announced a trio of milestones that will accelerate the growth of Blind Soccer across the Pacific Northwest: 

Seattle has been designated as the Pacific Northwest Regional Hub for U.S. Blind Soccer, with USABA to name an in-city lead to coordinate programs, clinics, and collaborations. 

SeattleFWC26's Blind Soccer Legacy strategy, including delivery of Seattle's first Blind Soccer pitch kit, and work toward a dedicated Blind Soccer pitch in near Seattle; partners also plan to pilot accessible, tactile viewing (OneCourt) during FIFA World Cup 26™ matches hosted in Seattle (subject to confirmation with FWC26). 

Intent to host Seattle's first U.S. Men's Blind Soccer international friendly during the window May 22– May 25, 2026 (opponent and venue TBD). 

SeattleFWC26 embraces its responsibility to use the excitement and attention of the world's largest sporting event to advance projects and priorities that create lasting impact in Seattle, which will host six FIFA World Cup 26™ matches next year. This partnership demonstrates what soccer in service of community can accomplish—building pathways for athletes who are blind or visually impaired and establishing infrastructure that will serve the region for years to come. 

"Hosting the FIFA World Cup gives us a platform to lead the nation in adaptive sports accessibility, not just for a few weeks in 2026, but for generations to come," said Peter Tomozawa, CEO of SeattleFWC26. "This collaboration with USABA isn't about a single event; it's about building the infrastructure, training the coaches, and creating the pathways that make blind soccer a permanent part of Seattle's sports culture. From becoming the Pacific Northwest's regional hub to delivering our first dedicated pitch and hosting an international friendly, we're showing what lasting legacy looks like. When the world comes to Seattle next summer, they'll see a city that doesn't just talk about inclusion—we invest in it, we build for it, and we're committed to leading the way long after the final whistle." 

"These announcements move Blind Soccer from activations to a true regional home," said Molly Quinn, CEO of USABA. "Establishing a Pacific Northwest regional hub strengthens USABA’s mission to develop athletes, build community programs, and increase access to blind soccer across the country. This collaboration with SeattleFWC26 accelerates our mission to expand opportunities nationwide and strengthens Team USA's journey toward the LA28 Paralympic Games, where we'll make our Paralympic debut in blind soccer." 

USA Blind Soccer Men's National team member Cody Kirchner (Columbia, SC) participated in Saturdays clinic, alongside blind soccer coaches Jorge Polanco, Meghan Hudson, and Lex Gillette a USABA ambassador.

"Every clinic introduces future teammates, coaches, and supporters," said Cody Kirchner, USA Blind Soccer Men’s National Team Member. "Seattle's commitment strengthens our road to LA28—and inspires the next generation." 

Building a Regional Foundation 

The collaboration represents one of SeattleFWC26's signature legacy projects, building on years of advocacy by USABA and local adaptive sports leaders. The designation as a regional hub will bring coordinated programming, trained coaches and officials, and dedicated facilities to the Pacific Northwest—creating sustainable pathways for participation at all levels. 

The event at Arena Sports Magnuson featured hands-on instruction for players who are blind or low vision and sighted goalkeepers, plus briefings for coaches, officials, and recreation leaders. The clinic was free and open to all experience levels, with registration required due to limited space. Future clinics, coaching certifications, and league play will be announced in early 2026. 

Arena Sports Magnuson offers step-free access, accessible restrooms, clear sound cues, and safe field boundaries, demonstrating the venue's commitment to inclusive sports programming. 

‍

‍

About the U.S. Association of Blind Athletes (USABA): Founded in 1976, the U.S. Association of Blind Athletes (USABA) expands opportunities in sport and physical activity for people who are blind or visually impaired—from introductory clinics to elite, international competition. USABA develops programs, trains coaches and officials, and supports athletes across multiple sports, including Blind Soccer. A member organization of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and U.S. Soccer, USABA is certified by the USOPC as the national governing body for the Paralympic team sports of goalball and blind soccer. Since its founding, USABA has reached more than 100,000 individuals through multi-sport programming across the U.S. Learn more at www.usaba.org. 

‍

About OneCourt: OneCourt is a Seattle-based startup that has created the world’s first tactile broadcast, making live sports accessible to all. OneCourt’s patent-pending tactile broadcast translates real-time gameplay data into intuitive, trackable vibrations, allowing fans to experience the action through touch. In 2021, OneCourt started as an undergraduate project at the University of Washington. To date, OneCourt has been offered in 5 NBA Venues, is a 2025 NBA Launchpad Company, a Microsoft AI For Accessibility Grant Winner, and the new standard for accessibility in live sports. For more information, visit onecourt.io.

‍

About Seattle FIFA World Cup 26™ Local Organizing Committee: SeattleFWC26 is the local organizing committee for Seattle’s participation as one of the 16 host cities selected for the FIFA World Cup 26™. As a not-for-profit organization, SeattleFWC26’s vision is to foster a lasting legacy for our region, guided by the spirit of soccer, innovation, and inclusion. To keep up to date on the latest news and involvement opportunities with SeattleFWC26, please visit www.seattlefwc26.org. 

‍

‍