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NWSL Sky Blue FC

Sky Blue FC Hosts First Community-Based Initiative in Response to COVID-19

April 21, 2020 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Sky Blue FC News Release


Howell, N.J. On April 17, Sky Blue FC hosted its first #SBFCeatslocal community-based initiative in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This event encouraged fans to give back to their local communities by ordering takeout from a local restaurant, then joining on a Zoom call with Sky Blue FC players and coaches. The event was maxed out with 100 participants registering and supporting over 40 restaurants.

Fans of the team played three rounds of BINGO with players Caprice Dydasco, Elizabeth Eddy, Gina Lewandowski, Margaret "Midge" Purce, and Domi Richardson, as well as General Manager Alyse LaHue, and other members of the front office. Rounding out the group, was Head Coach Freya Coombe who had never played BINGO before and amusingly resorted to drawing her cards on her pizza box.

Dydasco was thankful for everyone that joined for the first #SBFCeatslocal, stating "It was great to see everyone come together, especially during times likes these, to support the local businesses in their communities." She continued, "I enjoyed getting to spend time (virtually) with some of our awesome fans over dinner and it made my night to see so many smiling faces during our games of BINGO."

The club's influence was highlighted as orders were placed in all corners of the East Coast. Cities represented in New Jersey included Bloomskill, Asbury Park, Morristown, Beach Haven, East Rutherford, and Trenton, among many others. Across the Hudson River, Sky Blue FC fans supported local restaurants in Brooklyn and Queens. Further up the state, fans backed eateries in Catskill, Fishkill, and Chappaqua, NY. Branching out from the New Jersey / New York area, #SBFCeatslocal reached supporters in Portland, ME, Old Greenwich, CT, and Raleigh, NC.

"It was a fantastic feeling to get a 'room' full of people together, including our Head Coach Freya and Sky Blue FC players, all supporting local restaurants in their communities," LaHue said of the event, "It's a small gesture, but when we come together collectively as a group we know we are capable of having a positive impact on those around us."

Sky Blue FC will continue to host and participate in community-based initiatives as the COVID-19 pandemic persists, including another #SBFCeatslocal date.

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