Abby Wambach partners with RISE for awareness project

Abby Wambach on the set with RISE at Red Bull Arena, talking natural turf. PHOTO: RISE

We realize that the majority of our readers don’t have much to do professionally with groundskeeping, but we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to congratulate Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment (RISE) on its recently announced partnership with Abby Wambach, veteran captain and forward for the United States Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT), 2015 World Cup Champions.

As the press release states,  the 2015 Women’s World Cup final match became the highest-rated and most-watched soccer game ever to air in the United States. Not only did it turn the world’s attention to women’s soccer, it also put a spotlight on a concern many people don’t think about: playing on artificial turf.

Wambach’s appreciation for playing on grass created a perfect partnership with RISE to raise awareness about the value of real grass fields — and the products and processes needed to care for them. As part of her partnership with the Washington-based organization, Wambach conducted media interviews from New Jersey Red Bull Arena on July 29. Her voice helped carry RISE’s messages to today’s parents and tomorrow’s next generation of soccer stars.

“When RISE approached me to partner with them, I was excited about having another opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of real turf for professional athletes, but most importantly for kids who are just starting to fall in love with the game,” Wambach writes in a recent blog post for RISE. “Because when it comes down to it, no matter where you’re playing, whether it be on the world stage or your back yard, it’s all about you, the ball and the field you’re on. And when all those things come together in the right way, it’s a beautiful thing.”