By combining free-to-play spaces, mentorship, and inclusive programming, the Tampa Bay Sun Foundation leverages the beautiful game to uplift young people. Each of the seven, current programs works in harmony under the foundation’s three pillars of change- growth, connection, access.

The goal of the Tampa Bay Sun Foundation is simple: build a more inclusive, equitable future for Tampa Bay youth, whether it’s on the pitch or in everyday life.

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Energize the Bay Youth Clinics

These co-ed clinics engage both recreational and competitive youth soccer clubs across the Tampa Bay area. Each year, they offer hundreds of young athletes one-on-one time with professional players, combining skill development with inspirational mentorship.

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Rise Up Soccer Club

Rise Up Soccer Club is designed to empower girls in grades 3–12 through free-to-play programming offered at Title I schools and community organizations. The initiative focuses on building confidence, fostering leadership, and supporting the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of participants.

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Shine Soccer Clinics

Shine Soccer Clinics are hosted in partnership with local youth organizations throughout the year, including Boys and Girls Clubs as well as Title I schools. These free clinics bring the joy of soccer into new spaces, often featuring a special appearance by the Tampa Bay Sun FC’s mascot, Solé.

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Sunny Side Up Service Projects

Through Sunny Side Up Service Projects, Tampa Bay Sun FC players and staff volunteer alongside organizations such as Feeding Tampa Bay and The Spring of Tampa Bay. These collaborative service projects address a variety of local needs and reflect the club’s commitment to giving back to the community.

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Pros & Pals

This bi-annual program is held once during Disability Pride Month in July and again each January. Pros & Pals is a one-day inclusive soccer event tailored for youth with physical and/or developmental disabilities. The program creates a supportive space for participants to engage in the sport and enjoy meaningful interactions with professional athletes.

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Sunshine Sunday

In collaboration with the Glazer Children’s Museum, Tampa Bay Sun FC supports Sunshine Sunday, a monthly event designed for children with sensory sensitivities and their families. The club’s mascot, Solé, regularly attends the event to help foster a welcoming, inclusive environment for the community.

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Gear Goals

Gear Goals connects young soccer players across Tampa Bay with quality equipment at no cost. By removing financial barriers, the program supports youth in staying active, confident, and engaged in the sport.

Community members can get involved with the Tampa Bay Sun Foundation by volunteering at events, donating to support programming, or partnering with the organization to expand its reach. Whether you’re helping out with a free-to-play clinic, assisting with inclusive events, or contributing gear, all are welcome to help build the heart and “sol” of Tampa Bay Sun FC.

Sign up here to join the official volunteer team, the Sunshine Squad. Donate today to help the foundation continue making a difference throughout Tampa Bay.

Embracing Tampa’s deep Hispanic roots—and its love of soccer—Tampa Bay Sun FC is launching a partnership with Language Services Associates, a major language interpretation and translation company, to create an even more inclusive fan experience and grow its connection with a key audience.

Language Services Associates, Inc. (LSA), which provides interpretation for industries from banking to healthcare to sports, will soon provide those services to the Sun, Tampa Bay’s first professional women’s soccer team. LSA is now the official interpretation and translation partner of the Tampa Bay Sun Football Club.

Reaching Spanish-speaking fans is vital for the team’s continued growth. According to U.S. Census data from 2019-2023:

• People who identify as Hispanic or Latino make up more than a quarter of the City of Tampa’s population.
• Nearly a third of the city’s residents speak a language other than English at home.

Sun fans will have more options as LSA adds its services in the coming months, including:

• Spanish-speaking services for phone ticket purchases, as well as support in hundreds of other languages
• Information available in Spanish on many of the team’s printed materials
• Spanish directional signage at Riverfront Stadium, the team’s home field in Tampa

“The community we call home is a melting pot with a great and storied history. This partnership will make sure that’s part of every match,” said Christina Unkel, Tampa Bay Sun FC President and General Manager.

Connecting with History and Heritage

Spanish is the second most-spoken language in America, and its role in Tampa Bay’s history runs especially deep.

• Tampa is home to Ybor City, its well-known historic Latin Quarter.
• West Tampa—just west of Riverfront Stadium at Blake High School, where the Sun play their home matches—was settled well over a century ago by Cuban and Spanish immigrants who came here to work in cigar factories.
• Tampa Bay is home to the only trilingual newspaper in the country, La Gaceta, printed in English, Spanish, and Italian.

“At LSA, we believe that language should never be a barrier to passion. That is why we are excited to partner with the Tampa Bay Sun to dismantle these barriers, ensuring that every fan—regardless of their native language—can fully embrace the sport they love,” said Scott Cooper, CEO of LSA.

“Our mission is straightforward: to create a more inclusive, engaging, and enjoyable experience for the entire community. Together, we are not just broadening access; we are bringing fans together through the universal love of sports.”

Interpretation and Innovation

LSA has a proven record of advancing access and technology as the official interpretation and translation partner of another soccer team, the men’s Major League Soccer franchise Philadelphia Union.

An American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter from LSA signs the National Anthem before every Union home game. These interpreters are integral to Deaf and Hard of Hearing fans, allowing them to follow games with interpreted interviews, announcements, conferences, and more—on the field and online.

LSA will bring this same service to Tampa for the 2025/26 season of the Gainbridge Super League. Expect an ASL interpreter at each Sun home game, connecting the on-field action with an increasingly diverse and international fan base.

Using cutting-edge tech, LSA is also delivering AI interpretation for non-English speaking players on the Union team. This allows players to understand their coaches’ English words in real time, hearing the communication in their native languages. LSA may ultimately bring this technology to Tampa, as well.

About LSA

Language Services Associates Inc. (LSA) is a premier provider of interpretation, translation, and innovative AI language solutions, enabling clients to connect with expert interpreters for clear and effective multilingual communication. With more than three decades of experience, LSA serves thousands of organizations in hundreds of languages across various sectors, including sports, healthcare, finance, government, and more. For more information, visit LSA.inc

About Tampa Bay Sun FC

Winner of the 2025 Downtown Experience Award from the Tampa Downtown Partnership

Tampa Bay Sun FC is the first professional women’s soccer team in Tampa, Florida. The Sun light up the pitch, playing their home games in a stunning newly renovated riverfront stadium situated along the Hillsborough River in Downtown Tampa. Joining the USL Super League’s historic inaugural season, the Tampa Bay Sun Football Club is one of eight initial markets paving the way for a national expansion of first-division professional women’s soccer. With a shared vision to become a global leader in the sport, both on and off the field, the Sun paves the way for increased opportunities for talented female athletes across the country, fostering growth and empowerment within local communities. For more information, visit TampaBaySunFC.com

Sponsorship Connects Young Players with Positive Role Models Through Tampa Bay Sun Football Club 

TAMPA, FL (April 30, 2025) – A new sponsorship from Tampa Electric and Peoples Gas (TECO) will power free youth soccer clinics across the Tampa Bay area, organized by Tampa Bay Sun FC. The Spring Clinic Series will engage hundreds of children with outdoor activities, lessons on sportsmanship, and surprise visits by powerful role models—the women professional soccer players of Tampa Bay Sun FC. Parents can sign their children up now for two on-field clinics before Sun games in May. 

Beyond providing support for six youth soccer clinics, TECO is sponsoring unforgettable opening ceremony experiences for children at six Sun home games. Young fans are paired up with Tampa Bay Sun players to walk onto the field together for the national anthem and opening ceremonies. 

Two upcoming youth clinics will take place on the field at Tampa’s Riverfront Stadium before Sun home games on May 3 and May 24. Parents can sign up their children (ages 6–12) or learn more about the Spring Clinic Series at these links for May 3 and May 24. 

To celebrate this support, Sun players will proudly sport TECO logos on their right uniform sleeves for the rest of the 2024/25 season. 

“TECO is pleased to support Tampa Bay Sun FC and its mission to support community growth, connection, and access on and off the field,” said Stephanie Smith, Vice President of State and Regional Affairs at Tampa Electric and Peoples Gas. “The Tampa Bay Sun Football Club’s Spring Clinic Series fosters well-being for children in our community, nurturing their physical health, emotional resilience, and sense of belonging through the practice of soccer skills.”   

Tampa Bay Sun FC is in a push for the playoffs in its inaugural season in the new USL Super League. The Sun are the area’s first-ever women’s professional soccer team, and their outreach focuses on programs that use the power of soccer to build community and character. 

“TECO is well-known for its community involvement and its deep commitment to Tampa Bay—particularly when it comes to children—and we could not be happier to have their support,” said Christina Unkel, Tampa Bay Sun FC President and General Manager. 

About Tampa Bay Sun FC  

Tampa Bay Sun FC is the first professional women’s soccer team in Tampa, Florida. The Sun light up the pitch, playing their home games in a stunning newly renovated riverfront stadium along the Hillsborough River in Downtown Tampa. Joining the USL Super League’s historic inaugural season, the Tampa Bay Sun FC is one of eight initial markets paving the way for a national expansion of first-division professional women’s soccer. With a shared vision to become a global leader in the sport, both on and off the field, the Sun paves the way for increased opportunities for talented female athletes across the country, fostering growth and empowerment within local communities. For more information, visit TampaBaySunFC.com  

TAMPA, FL (April 4, 2025) – With shots on goal, smiles on faces, and surprises from professional female athletes, students at East Tampa’s Ferrell Girls Preparatory Academy (a Title 1 all-girls public school) enjoyed an inspiring Soccer Celebration. Positive role models and examples of dreams being realized surrounded the 400-plus students at the all-girls public middle school.

The fun, free event marked the launch of the Tampa Bay Sun Foundation. The nonprofit group will collaborate with the area’s first-ever women’s professional soccer team—Tampa Bay Sun FC—on programs that use the power of soccer to build community and character.

Friday at Ferrell Girls Preparatory Academy:

• Students zipped around cones in dribbling drills and laughed as they did their best to send shots into the back of portable soccer goals.
• Volunteer coaches and professional female players from Tampa Bay Sun FC led the activities.
• Sun players and team mascot Solé surprised students at the outdoor celebration, then headed inside to join a school pep rally in the gym.

Youth Soccer Is Almost Never Free

Friday’s Soccer Celebration is a small taste of the impact that will be delivered by the Tampa Bay Sun Foundation’s flagship effort: Rise Up Soccer Club.

• Rise Up will bring a free, high-quality soccer program to girls who otherwise may not have access.
• It is a women-led afterschool curriculum, lasting 4 to 6 weeks.
• The Rise Up program will focus on Title 1 schools like Ferrell.

“Soccer is one of the most popular sports for kids in the U.S., but youth soccer is almost never free. To take part and see all the benefits of physical activity, teamwork, and positive role models, families face spending hundreds or thousands of dollars per year, per child. We want to help change that dynamic here in Tampa Bay,” said Rachel Jolley, Program Director for the Tampa Bay Sun Foundation.

New Community Connections

In addition to expanding access to soccer, the foundation will create new opportunities for growth among local youth players and future leaders of the game, and be a hub for community impact that inspires every generation.

“Our players want to get out into the community. They want to show kids that their dreams can become reality. By partnering with the Tampa Bay Sun Foundation, the amazing women on our team now have a new outlet where they can reach out and have a positive impact,” said Christina Unkel, President and General Manager of Tampa Bay Sun FC.

Fans can learn more about the Tampa Bay Sun Foundation at the next home game for Tampa Bay Sun FC on Saturday, April 5, or by visiting TampaBaySunFC.com/foundation.

About the Tampa Bay Sun Foundation

The Tampa Bay Sun Foundation is dedicated to fostering community growth, connection, and access both on and off the field. In partnership with Tampa Bay Sun FC, we are creating new opportunities for local youth players and future leaders of the game. With deep roots throughout Tampa Bay, we serve as a hub for community impact, inspiring every generation. Through free-to-play soccer programming, we are expanding access to the sport, bringing the beautiful game to more girls across the region.

TAMPA, Florida (March 7, 2025) – Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ quarterback Baker Mayfield and his wife Emily Mayfield’s foundation, the Baker & Emily Mayfield Foundation, announced today the launch of the 2025 Giving Bowl event, which begins today and runs through March 28.The Mayfield’s will be joined by five Tampa Bay area athletes from the Buccaneers, Lightning, Rays, and Sun FC to help raise awareness, funds, and support for different charities impacting Tampa. The full list of athletes and charities involved can be seen below. The three-round event will feature the athletes going head-to-head in a bracket-style fundraising social media challenge. The athletes who raise the most money each week will advance, competing to bring their charity the title of the 2025 Giving Bowl Champion and the recipient of $50,000, presented by the Baker & Emily Mayfield Foundation.

“We are excited and proud to launch the first-ever Giving Bowl, hosted by the Baker & Emily Mayfield Foundation. Our goal is to continue to have an impact in the Tampa Bay community by making significant donations to effective nonprofits and using our platform to encourage others to give what they can,” said Emily Mayfield.

“To be able to give back alongside other Tampa Bay athletes is an honor, and we are so thankful for the support of our friends who have participated along with the Baker & Emily Mayfield Foundation to make a true impact in our communities,” stated Baker Mayfield.

Each participating charity will receive a minimum of $2,500 from the Foundation, as well as all proceeds donated throughout the Giving Bowl. As each charity progresses in the competition, their award from the Foundation will increase. The charity who takes the overall title will be awarded a total of $50,000 from the Baker & Emily Mayfield Foundation, as well as all the proceeds raised during the three-week competition.

Click here for more information on the Giving Bowl, including donation links for each charity.
 

Participating Athletes and Charities
Chris Godwin (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and Team Godwin Foundation
Bucky Irving (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and After-School All-Stars
Brandon Lowe (Tampa Bay Rays) and Crisis Center of Tampa Bay
Ryan McDonagh (Tampa Bay Lightning) and First Responders Children’s Foundation
Erika Tymrak (Tampa Bay Sun FC) and Humane Society of Tampa Bay

About the Baker & Emily Mayfield Foundation
With a focus on resilience and a spirit of support, the nonprofit provides programs, scholarships and philanthropic opportunities to help others tackle life’s challenges in order to BE the best version of themselves. The Foundation recognizes the resilience of the human spirit and supports those who persevere despite difficult circumstances. More information can be found at bemayfield.org.