COMMUNITY

“The thing about football – the important thing about football – is that it is not just about football.”

― Terry Pratchett, Unseen Academicals

Asheville City Soccer Club was founded on the idea that soccer can be a force for belonging, connection, and collective strength. Our commitment to the city, and especially to the local community organizations shaping it, isn’t a gesture, it’s the foundation of who we are. Every match is an opportunity to elevate the people and causes that make Asheville stronger, more just, and more united. When fans walk through the gates, we want them to feel that they belong, just as they are. We want them to believe in what we can build together. And we want them to be proud, be bold, and Be Blue.

Asheville City SC is proud to partner with Asheville Buncombe Youth Soccer Association (ABYSA) is the region’s leading nonprofit youth soccer provider, serving more than 5,800 players each year through recreation, academy, and outreach programs. With a focus on access and inclusion, ABYSA works to make the game available to every child, regardless of background or income. Learn more at abysa.org.

By connecting with Asheville City SC, ABYSA players gain exposure to multicultural role models who reflect the diverse communities of Asheville. Representation on the field matters – when young players see athletes who look like them and share their stories, it helps build confidence, belonging, and belief. These connections not only inspire the next generation of players, they also strengthen our city’s identity as a place where all children can grow, lead, and thrive through sport. Through the club’s partnership with ABYSA, over 1300 youth players have been able to attend a match for free and interact directly with the first team’s players since the 2017 season. 

The Western North Carolina Nature Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to wildlife conservation, environmental education, and fostering a deeper connection between the community and the natural world. Located in Asheville, the Nature Center provides hands-on learning experiences about the region’s unique flora and fauna, including endangered species like the hellbender salamander. Asheville City Soccer Club is proud to partner with the WNC Nature Center to support its conservation efforts and educational programs. To learn more, visit wildwnc.org.

My Daddy Taught Me That (MDTMT) is an Asheville-based nonprofit dedicated to mentoring middle- and high-school youth through education, leadership, and life skills development. Their mission is to guide young men toward lives of responsibility, respect, and purpose—offering support through discussion groups, tutoring, field trips, and career prep. Asheville City SC has proudly supported MDTMT’s athletic programming alongside The Hop Ice Cream, reinforcing a shared commitment to youth empowerment through community, mentorship, and sport. Learn more at mydaddytaughtmethat.org.

In 2024, Asheville City Soccer Club honored the legacy of Dr. Robert Moog, the pioneering electronic music innovator, by releasing a limited-edition pre-match jersey. This special kit celebrated Moog’s groundbreaking contributions to sound and music technology while supporting the community. Proceeds from the jersey sales were donated to the Bob Moog Foundation’s flagship educational program, Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool, which introduces second-grade students to the science of sound through hands-on music and technology lessons. By backing this initiative, the club helps inspire creativity and curiosity in Asheville’s youth. To learn more, visit moogfoundation.org.

Since 2018, Asheville City Soccer Club has proudly hosted seven annual Pride Matches in partnership with the Campaign for Southern Equality (CSE) to advance LGBTQ+ rights across the South. Central to these celebrations is the Prideraiser, an initiative led by the club’s passionate supporter group, the South Slope Blues, where fans pledge donations for every goal scored during home matches in June. Funds raised support CSE’s vital programs, providing resources and advocacy for LGBTQ+ individuals throughout the region. Alongside vibrant pre-match events and marches, these matches highlight Asheville City SC’s deep commitment to fostering an inclusive, welcoming community both on and off the field. Learn more at southernequality.org.

In a historic first, Asheville City Soccer Club honored the original U.S. Women’s National Team – the “85ers” – at their regular-season finale on July 1, 2023. This team, composed of 17 trailblazing women, played their inaugural international match in 1985, laying the foundation for the U.S. Women’s National Team’s legacy.

The club’s celebration included a pregame meet-and-greet, a halftime ceremony, and the unveiling of a special edition jersey featuring the names of the 1985 team members. This event not only honored their contributions but also highlighted the importance of recognizing and celebrating the pioneers who paved the way for women’s soccer in the United States.

By bringing together the original U.S. Women’s National Team, Asheville City Soccer Club underscored its commitment to honoring the past, celebrating the present, and inspiring the future of women’s soccer.