Kitsap Pumas mingle with sponsors and fans at luncheon

 See also: Hellcats will sell flags at Pumas 2010 home matches

There are only two fully professional soccer clubs in the state of Washington. Everyone knows the Sounders FC of Seattle. Fewer are aware that Bremerton's Kitsap Pumas are the other. If you are a regular reader of mine then you know that I cover as much Puget Sound area soccer as I can possibly get to. After that I get help from soccer fans who send me details, videos and photos.

I was at the April 21st Kitsap Pumas Luncheon in Silverdale and took the video below. The Pumas are a throwback to the earlier days of pro soccer in our region. They remind me of the beginnings of the North American Soccer League Sounders, who also held Kick off luncheons. The players will shake your hand, look you in the eyes, and there is never a question about their effort and desire on match day.

Quite a few players came to the luncheon and spoke to the gathering. The Pumas also announced a further relationship with Harrison Hospital that hopes to one day offer soccer training free to local players (see more below.) The tables were adorned with Pumas scarves, Pepsi cans featuring the Pumas crest, pocket schedules and magnets.

Only a year ago no one knew how the Pumas would do in West Sound, on the pitch or in the stands. Now Kitsap goes into the 2010 PDL season May 1st as clear favorites to take first place, and with a chance to pass the 2,000 per match attendance mark, perhaps by a healthy margin.

Update: Pumas' foreign players await paper clearance

Luncheon photos by David Falk.

Harrison Medical Center Inks Three-Year Sponsorship Agreement with Kitsap Pumas

Bremerton, Wash. – The Kitsap Soccer Club today finalized a three-year sponsorship agreement with Harrison Medical Center. Harrison now becomes the title sponsor for all of the Pumas’ burgeoning youth outreach programs. 

The Harrison Medical Center/Pumas Pro Youth Academy and Youth Outreach Program is the first fully comprehensive, youth soccer training program of its kind in the region. 

Harrison’s three-year commitment will foster the development of youth players from across Kitsap and surrounding counties. Support will include year-round training of young players by the Puma’s own professional coaches and players; team and player camps; and youth team sponsorships.

 “This is an exceptional commitment on the part of Harrison Medical Center,” says Pumas’ executive director Ben Pecora. “To have one of the largest, most-comprehensive and recognizable firms in our region put its considerable muscle behind these critical programs, means the world not only to our club but to so many youth and families throughout our area. Harrison’s support of the team and especially our youth program ensures that our kids will receive the highest-level of training and access ever offered in the region. We are extremely grateful for this support as we build the club toward even higher highs.”

“Our partnership with the Kitsap Soccer Club is an outstanding opportunity to invest in local youth activities that promote fitness and a healthy lifestyle,” says Tom Kruse, Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer at Harrison Medical Center. “As a regional medical center, we look forward to highlighting all aspects of the full range of health services Harrison provides, including wellness, preventive health education, and the promotion of active lifestyle choices.”

Harrison Medical Center is a not-for-profit hospital and the region’s largest medical center, with five locations—Bremerton, Silverdale, Port Orchard, Belfair, and Poulsbo—serving the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas. Harrison provides the region with specialized treatment in cardiovascular services, oncology, orthopedics, obstetrics and gynecology, and pediatrics. With 400 physicians representing 40 specialties, Harrison offers comprehensive medical and surgical services, 24/7 emergency care in Bremerton and Silverdale, as well as urgent care services 24/7 in Port Orchard and 12 hours a day in Belfair. Harrison is a Level III Trauma Center. To learn more, call the Referral & Information line at 866-844-WELL.