Husky Soccer Teams Enjoy “Rewarding” Relationship With UW’s Haring Center

SEATTLE – For the past several years, the Husky men's and women's soccer teams have volunteered free time at the University of Washington's Experimental Education Unit (EEU) at the Haring Center, creating a partnership that is equally beneficial on both sides.
 
The Haring Center for Inclusive Education provides early childhood education to children with and without disabilities, conducts leading-edge research to advance inclusive learning, and trains education professionals in proven practices to develop every child's potential.
 
"At the EEU, we truly value our partnership with the UW women's and men's soccer athletes," Haring Center vice principal Lana Sumner said. "Again, this school year, these amazing athletes are volunteering their time and energy to play with our students at recess. It's a lot of fun and is met with enthusiasm by all. This partnership strengthens our community and enhances our ability to build a more inclusive world. Thank you to the athletes, coaches & directors of operations, for making this happen."
 
During their visits to the Haring Center, the Husky men and women spend their time playing with the EEU's students during their recess period, enjoying fun and games on the playground with the unit's inspiring children.
 
"It's truly an honor to be part of this wonderful partnership with the EEU," UW women's head coach Nicole Van Dyke said. "Our athletes are passionate about giving back to the community, and being able to share the joy of soccer and play with the students during recess is a highlight for all of us. We are incredibly grateful to the EEU for allowing us to be involved and for the opportunity to spend time with the children."
 
Getting just as much out of it as they put in, the partnership is one that goes back many years, and one that both the Husky men and women plan to make a mainstay of their respective programs.

"I can't thank the EEU enough for opening their doors to our student-athletes, and allowing them the joy of friendship, mentoring and teaching," Husky men's head coach Jamie Clark said. "The time they spend with the kids in the program is incredibly rewarding, and the impact they can have as positive role models within the community is massive.  This collaboration is years in the making, and we hope can be cherished by both our players and the students for years to come."
 
For Washington rising junior Kolo Suliafu, the opportunity to connect with the children at the EEU is a deeply personal one. Suliafu's brother, Taani Suliafu, has Down Syndrome and shared a special moment with his sister earlier this past season joining her for lineups before the Husky women's Down Syndrome Acceptance match versus Colorado.
 
"Volunteering at the Haring Center is so rewarding," Suliafu said. "For me personally, I love seeing the kids smile and laugh because it's something I would've wanted for my little brother. The schools he went to were always super inclusive and it's so nice to see other schools creating an environment for the kids where they feel seen and wanted, just like every other kid!"
 
The partnership with the EEU is just one of several initiatives undertaken by the UW soccer programs to give back to the UW and Seattle communities that do so much throughout the year to make their seasons possible.
 
"This partnership not only strengthens our bond with the community but also reinforces our commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for everyone," Van Dyke said. "A heartfelt thank you to the athletes for their dedication and enthusiasm in making this collaboration such a meaningful experience."
 
For more information on the UW women's soccer team, follow @UW_WSoccer on Twitter and Instagram. Meanwhile, the Husky men's team can be followed at @UW_MSoccer.