Young soccer players inspired by new womens pro team
Youth players hold a circular banner at midfield as fireworks go off at Empower Field at Mile High before Denver Summit FC’s first home match against the Washington Spirit on March 28.
The biggest fans of Denver’s new National Women’s Soccer League team, Denver Summit FC, might just be the young girls who filled Empower Field at Mile High for the club’s first-ever home game. “It’s a once in a lifetime experience to see them play for the first time in Colorado,” one young fan said.
The excitement surrounding the team was easy to see at the home opener on March 28 against the Washington Spirit. More than 63,000 fans packed the stadium, setting a new league attendance record. The game ended in a 0-0 draw.
But it was not just about the numbers. It was about the feeling of being there.
From the parking lots to the stadium seats, the energy was electric. Soccer players from across Colorado tailgated with their parents, teammates and coaches. They kicked soccer balls around and took in the festivities before the game.
Spencer Pounders, a 13-year-old soccer player who lives in Castle Rock, said the Summit players are role models for her. “It gives us somebody to look up to and say, yeah, I want to be on that team,” said Spencer.
There is also a strong hometown connection. Five players on the roster are from Colorado, including Lindsey Heaps (formerly Horan), a Golden native and captain of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer team.
“To see Denver finally get a women’s team is really cool,” said Lyndsee Landon, a fan tailgating in the parking lot before the game. “To know that there are so many local Colorado girls on this team speaks volumes to young girls here in Colorado. Girls want to be represented in all spaces, so to see them be able to come here and start a team and have this big turnout is amazing.”
Becky Bates echoed that excitement. She was there with her two young daughters, who play soccer for fun, and encouraged them to take in the moment. “Be excited for a women’s soccer team to come to Colorado and experience the whole atmosphere that comes with it,” said Becky.
It’s a moment many of those young players are going to remember for a long time.
The Summit will play several home games at Dicks Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City while the team’s new stadium is being built. Back in March, the Summit bought land near Broadway and I-25, with plans to open in spring 2028.
In the meantime, the club is practicing at a temporary field built in collaboration with the Cherry Creek School District. The Summit plans to donate the field to the school district once the permanent stadium is complete.
The soccer season runs through November. For more information and the full schedule, visit denversummitfc.com.
A 13-year-old soccer player watches pregame festivities from the stands before Denver Summit FC’s home opener.
Article and photos by Mindy Stone
