Those of you visiting the Starfire Sports Complex recently, may have noticed a change. In addition to the MLS construction projects that are ongoing in the northern sector of the park, the Seattle Wolves FC recently opened offices in the southeast corner of the Starfire Athletic Center.

Long-time home of all Wolves’ training and home matches, Starfire is now the official home for all Seattle Wolves’ operations.
“The logistics of operating the club out of Starfire just got a whole lot easier, now that we can maintain office and meeting space on sight as well.”, commented Wolves’ General Manager, Andrew Opatkiewicz.

Starfire Sports is a world-class soccer facility located just off of I-5 in Tukwila, WA, 15 minutes south of Seattle. Home to the newest MLS franchise, the Seattle Sounders FC, Starfire is also dedicated to the development and empowerment of young adults through partnerships with local youth soccer clubs and community organizations.

Founders Chris Slatt, Steve Beck and Mark Bickham opened Starfire in 2003, and the complex seemingly became an instantaneous success with 4 high-quality Fieldturf fields and several grass pitches available to the growing number of youth footballers in the Puget Sound area.

“In 2006, when I was playing for the Wolves in the GSSL, we had a match at Starfire, in the Stadium. I remember thinking that it would be perfect for a semi-professional/professional football club to play out of. The intimate environment of a 2500 seat stand, now with larger capabilities because of the addition of the southern stand, the train going by the eastern goal every so often, drowning out the sound of play. I hope that we can fill that stadium in the coming years, because this is a beautiful place for football.”

The Wolves met with Steve Beck and Julie Hoyle-Lowe, Starfire General Manager, in November of 2008 to propose the tenancy. “After meeting with Steve and Julie, it was clear that Starfire was the place for us to be. And, even though we have only been operating out of Starfire for a few weeks, and the office is still being ‘put together’, it’s been great so far. We’re looking forward to a great year ahead of us. It is fantastic that the Starfire group has such a dedication to the young player, and not only as athletes, but because they see how the game can help develop good people too.” Opatkiewicz continued.
So, next time you’re at Starfire for your, or your son or daughter’s game, stop by the Wolves office in the southeastern corner of the main Athletic Center, on the main concourse. And don’t be afraid to pop in and introduce yourself, the club is always excited to meet football players, fans and enthusiasts.

Natalie Leon is a student at the University of Washington, and staff writer for the Seattle Wolves FC.