May 22, 2024 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL)
Utah Royals FC News Release
HERRIMAN, Utah – Utah Royals FC and founding sponsor Islands to Salt Lake Pizza, doing business as Domino’s, collaborated on Tuesday to host the first no-cost Utah Royals FC youth soccer clinic since the team’s return to the Beehive State.
Around 50 kids ages 5-17 from the surrounding communities assembled at the Zions Bank Training Center for an hour of instruction and fun with Royals Defender Kaleigh Riehl, Cleo the Lioness and a team of experienced coaches leading the players through drills, teaching techniques and developing their skills.
“I think that being able to come into the community and talk to these girls and boys is amazing, they always have so many great questions. It’s so important to give back because I know that I had that support. It’s crucial that the next generation can continue to meet players and realize their dreams are achievable … visibility is very important,” said Riehl, discussing the chance to make an impact in her new home state.
Off the field, Utah Royals FC strives to represent what it means to be a part of this community, and boast a roster with six players – Mikayla Cluff, Olivia Griffits, Brecken Mozingo, Carly Nelson, Cameron Tucker and Michele Vasconcelos – that were born in Utah and played collegiate soccer at either BYU or the University of Utah. Youth soccer and community partnership are cornerstones of the Utah Royals and Real Salt Lake identities, and social investment collaborations with community partners like Islands to Salt Lake Pizza are a crucial way of contributing to growth in our locality, our state and our sport as whole.
“It’s all about opportunity. Any time we can provide an opportunity for kids to learn and better their lives in any way, whether it’s sports and they become the next Lionel Messi or Kaleigh Riehl – we really look forward to the chance to better these kids’ lives. It’s the same thing we do for our team members as well, we try to provide a better life for them,” said Islands to Salt Lake Pizza Head of Operations Don Kositchek.
As youth players from across the Valley were broken down into groups for training drills, with some representing community teams like Kearns High School and Shooters Soccer Club, Riehl visited each station and spoke with the players about her soccer journey and answered any questions they had.
“You have everyone watching you and everyone has their own opinions. I think that…