How Explore Seattle Southside Helped Elevate Adaptive Soccer on a National Stage

The choice to host in Seattle Southside was intentional and strategic. “Geographically, the Pacific Northwest made strategic sense,” shared UASA President Joslynn Bigelow. “Washington was a state where we had not yet hosted an event, and expanding into new regions is central to our mission of increasing adaptive soccer access nationwide.”

The Seattle area is emerging as a national leader in disability sports—it's recognized as the birthplace of amputee soccer in the U.S. and a regional hub for blind soccer. As Seattle is a host city for FIFA 2026, there is even more widespread excitement surrounding soccer, which made the region an even more fitting location for UASA's event.

Starfire Sports in Tukwila quickly emerged as the ideal host venue. Known nationally for elite-level play, the facility also offered something essential for adaptive sports: accessibility, proximity, and flexibility. “Logistically, the location was ideal,” Bigelow explained. “Starfire is minutes from SeaTac International Airport, one of the country’s most accessible travel hubs. Housing, fields, courts, and the airport were all close together—which is critical for athletes with disabilities and for transporting adaptive equipment.”

Through Explore Seattle Southside, UASA also secured accessible lodging near the airport and additional court space at Glacier Middle School for power and court-based teams, creating a seamless experience across multiple venues.

Attendees were relieved to find the region was genuinely easy to navigate, and consistently described the Seattle Southside region as welcoming, accessible, and safe. “For returning participants, this was the first UASA event where accessibility felt proactive rather than something we had to fight for,” Bigelow said.

They were equally pleased with their hotel partner, DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Seattle Airport Southcenter. “The hotel met our needs without resistance,” Bigelow said. “Facilities were navigable, bathrooms were accessible, and vertical movement within buildings was straightforward and reliable.”

Equipment logistics are always a challenge in adaptive sports, and Seattle-area partners handled this exceptionally well. “We were able to ship, store, and manage a large volume of specialized equipment safely–something that is not guaranteed in every destination,” Bigelow said.

Since they weren’t distracted by access issues, athletes and staff could focus on what matters most: sport, community, and experience.

Seattle Southside Sports (a division of Explore Seattle Southside) and UASA established a collaborative working relationship early on, which made planning easier and amplified the event.

“Seattle Southside Sports served as a key connector,” Bigelow shared. “They helped us navigate local systems, make referrals, ask better questions, and problem-solve efficiently.”

Acknowledging the tourism and economic impact of the event, Explore Seattle Southside served as a marketing sponsor. Another Destination Marketing Organization, Visit Seattle, contributed swag and promotional items for participants, reinforcing the region’s unified support.

One of the most impactful contributions was creative services to aid in storytelling.

“Explore Seattle Southside provided professional photography and videography that elevated how adaptive soccer is represented nationally,” Bigelow said. “Two talented creatives captured the event beautifully—one even participated directly in amputee soccer on crutches, which perfectly reflected the inclusive, hands-on spirit of the weekend.”

That imagery can live on to help UASA amplify its mission, reach new audiences, and normalize adaptive sport within the broader soccer landscape.

The December education event marked a major milestone for UASA, supporting its goals to expand into 15 new states by 2026 and engage hundreds of new athletes, coaches, and referees. It also reinforced Seattle Southside’s reputation as a destination that understands how to support complex, values-driven events.

“UASA would absolutely return to Starfire Sports and the Seattle Southside region,” Bigelow affirmed. “Seattle and SeaTac offer the infrastructure, accessibility, transportation access, and community values needed to support long-term regional hubs for adaptive soccer.”

For Explore Seattle Southside, the event exemplified what effective destination partnership looks like: listening first, anticipating needs, amplifying stories, and creating an environment where organizers—and attendees—can thrive.

As the road to FIFA World Cup 2026 continues, events like UASA’s Disability Soccer Month showcase how Seattle Southside is helping shape a more inclusive future for sports—one thoughtfully planned event at a time.

Curious about hosting your event in Seattle Southside? Contact Cydney Marks-Nicholes, Sports Business Development Manager at Explore Seattle Southside at cydney@seattlesouthside.com.