Lindsey Vonn ownership investment in Utah Royals FC continues commitment to empowering underserved girls

Lindsey Vonn's Foundation partners with the Utah Royals. Photo: courtesy of Utah Royals

SANDY, Utah — Olympic alpine ski champion Lindsey Vonn announced on Friday her investment in the National Women’s Soccer League 2024 expansion side Utah Royals FC, reinforcing her dedication to empowering women and impacting girls from underserved communities.

 

 

 

 

 

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“Two weeks ago, I announced on social media that I was proud to invest in The Royals’ re-launch with the National Women’s Soccer League,” said Park City community member Vonn in a statement, referencing this video on Instagram. “On the eve of tomorrow’s sold-out opener, I’m proud of our Foundation’s first step in providing a block of tickets to each URFC home match this year, and I cannot wait for us to help Amy and the players connect with the community as the Royals re-introduce themselves to both the local and national sporting landscape.”

Led by iconic U.S. soccer star and new Head Coach Amy Rodriguez, Utah Royals FC returns to the NWSL for the first time since the 2020 Challenge Cup, hosting the Chicago Red Stars for its inaugural game (as it did in 2018’s first iteration). It was quite the kickoff for a team featuring top young U.S. talent, several “homegrown” BYU and Univ. of Utah stars, as well as NWSL veterans who now call Utah home, before what was a standing-room only crowd at America First Field in Sandy on Saturday afternoon.

The game ended in a 2-0 loss for the Utah Royals.

Vonn’s investment in Utah Royals FC and ongoing initiatives through the Lindsey Vonn Foundation exemplify a commitment to creating opportunities and fostering the development of confident, empowered female leaders. The collaboration with Utah Royals FC and the National Women’s Soccer League is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of underserved girls, inspiring them to become the leaders and visionaries of tomorrow.

Through the Lindsey Vonn Foundation (LVF), Vonn will be donating 25 tickets to every Utah Royals FC home match. This initiative aims to provide girls from various communities with the unique opportunity to see professional soccer in action, promoting inclusivity and access to sporting events.

“We are excited to work with Lindsey and the Lindsey Vonn Foundation to bring these amazing kids and families out to watch Utah Royals FC throughout its inaugural season,” said Kyle Schroeder, VP of Community Relations for URFC and Real Salt Lake in a statement. “We have witnessed first-hand the impact these types of ticketing inclusion programs have within our community, and we look forward to bringing more families to America First Field.”

The Lindsey Vonn Foundation provides underserved girls the tools needed to pursue their passions, overcome obstacles and reach their goals through scholarships, programs, and mentorship. A scholarship from the Foundation is a financial aid option for academic, athletic, and enrichment activities. The LVF’s dedication to the development of confidence within the female leaders of tomorrow can be seen not only in statistics, but in the hearts of their scholars, campers, and supporters as well.  

Through 2023, the LVF has awarded more than $1,000,000 in scholarships to impact girls from underserved communities. The foundation’s impact is not only evident in statistics but also in the heartfelt testimonials of scholars, campers, and supporters.

Forbes reports that the world’s first stadium purpose-built for a women’s sports franchise opened in Kansas City, Missouri on Saturday, as the new home of the NWSL’s Kansas City Current. The venue, which was first announced in 2021, serves as another reminder of the surge women’s sports has seen in recent years.