In the shadow of the Black Hills, Capital Soccer Fields provides a centralized space for youth to learn, play and thrive through the game of soccer in Thurston County. The fields were built on the shared values of community service and providing field access for current and future generations. On a plot of land that spans 40 acres, its home to countless soccer practices, games and tournaments each year.
Local Soccer Enthusiasts and Community Members Banded Together to Create Capital Soccer Fields
Capital Soccer Fields began as a vision more than two decades ago, as demand for youth soccer facilities increased across Thurston County. With numerous school, club and recreational leagues all in need of fields, it was becoming increasingly difficult to schedule games and practices within existing field space. Community members across the Thurston Community joined together, contributing their time, finances and skill sets to establish Capital Soccer Fields, including families from Blackhills Football Club and Tumwater Soccer Club.
Bob and Miki Conrad were instrumental in procuring land for the fields, acting as loan guarantors. Kim Cross hosted fundraisers, including “juggle-a-thons,” in support of the soccer fields, while Dee Ragsdale helped obtain its first grant. Other early community support stemmed from volunteers, Pat Calahan, David Meyer, Brian Fluetsch, Scott Manke, Scott Rehm, Ted Simmons, Herb Reeves, Tawin Sharp and many more.
When it came time to clear the land in the mid-2000s, Manke Lumber Company loaned necessary equipment, and a team of dedicated volunteers helped to complete the clearing project.
As land preparations continued in 2006, the 585th Engineer Company stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord volunteered their time in support of Capital Soccer Fields. SFC Rocky Herrera, SGT Bryce Howard and SGT Cory Clark who were part of this clearing project were eventually deployed to Afghanistan and passed away in service to their country.
Capital Soccer Fields Is a Hub for Local Soccer Teams, Hosts Hundreds of Games Each Year
Capital Soccer Fields has made a significant transformation over the past two decades, from an undeveloped plot of land, to hosting hundreds of soccer games each year across eight full-size fields. The recent addition of new picnic tables donated by board president, Jennie Foglia-Jones, and her family, allow for parents and families to cheer on the athletes from the sidelines and enjoy the outdoor ambience.
The soccer fields play a vital role in providing access to quality, safe and well-maintained soccer fields in Thurston County, easing the travel burden for many local soccer clubs and families. A number of Thurston County youth soccer clubs play games at the fields, including teams from the Thurston County Youth Soccer Association. Recently, Capital Soccer Fields has also expanded its scope through hosting practices of the Olympia/Thurston Lacrosse Club.
As a nonprofit organization, Capital Soccer Fields is a true community effort, maintained with the help of passionate board members, sponsors and volunteers. The current Board of Directors includes Jennie Foglia-Jones, Romy Meyer, Chris Michael, Ashleigh Camberg, James Charette, Duwan Tyson and Lee Wojnar, all of whom have been instrumental in advancing its mission, especially in the years following the COVID-19 Pandemic.
They primarily generate revenue through sponsorship and recently-instituted parking passes for the facility’s parking lot during weekend league games and tournaments. Proceeds raised for Capital Soccer Fields are used for vital field care and property upgrades, including purchase of fertilizer and field paint.
Current caretakers of the fields include multiple board members like Chris Michael, and active volunteers Jean Pierre Charette, Gabi Ceban, Kyle Bacon and Matt Jones. This devoted team of volunteers spend many hours each week on maintenance, including mowing grass and helping to paint the proper lines and markings needed for soccer games.
Support for Capital Soccer Fields Stems From Community Volunteers and Sponsors
If community members are interested in supporting Capitol Soccer Fields, there are volunteer opportunities across many ages and skill sets. For example, The Evergreen State College men’s and women’s soccer teams have participated in a pre-season work party for the past two years to help with field maintenance.
Currently, there is a pressing need for volunteer parking attendants, with shifts typically taking place on weekends during soccer games and tournaments. This role is ideal for high school students who may need to complete volunteer hours and would like to bolster local youth sports. Another weekly volunteer need is facility maintenance, including picking up trash on the grounds.
Capital Soccer Fields also offers sponsorship opportunities across four tiers, such as a company name and logo appearing on its website, fence signage or naming rights to one of the eight soccer fields.
The nonprofit is interested in providing additional on-site amenities through property improvement projects. This includes the installation of permanent restrooms and two turf fields, so that local teams have access to soccer fields during the late fall and winter months. These projects are costly and the organization doesn’t currently have the budget to undergo significant construction. Community members who are interested in supporting youth soccer in Thurston County are invited to volunteer their time, talents and skillsets to help complete these projects, from engineers, to plumbers, to electricians.
In celebration of youth soccer in Thurston County, Capital Soccer Fields is hosting a free Community Soccer Day on Saturday, June 27, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. As a way to give back to the community, local families are invited to participate in a day of fun soccer games and activities, including an inflatable enclosed soccer field and a 3V3 Jamboree.
To learn more, visit the Capital Soccer Fields website.
