HARRISON, N.J. – Sky Blue FC is hosting a charity auction that will run through the duration of the NWSL Challenge Cup with proceeds benefitting The Loveland Foundation and Urban Indian Center of Salt Lake.

The National Women’s Soccer League club launched its 2020 “Lightning Strikes” kit earlier this week and this will be the only opportunity to bring home the white secondary kit, which is currently not available to the public. Jerseys will be either game-worn and signed (by all Sky Blue Challenge Cup participants) or just signed (by injured players non-rostered).

To bid on the 2020 secondary “Lightning Strikes” kit, click here.

The Loveland Foundation was founded in 2018 by Rachel Cargle and is committed to showing up for communities of color in unique and powerful ways, with a particular focus on Black women and girls. Through the donations to The Loveland Foundation, Sky Blue FC is strengthening its commitment to using its platforms for the betterment of society and standing for equality for all.

The Urban Indian Center of Salt Lake (UICSL) is the chosen beneficiary of a league-wide campaign by the NWSL Supporters Group coalition ACTS (Activating Communities Through Support), which commits to the betterment of their communities. UICSL serves The People by honoring Native cultures, strengthening health and wellness programs, and cultivating community. In partnering with NWSL ACTS on this initiative, Sky Blue aims to give back to the community in which it is traveling to for the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup. It provides an opportunity to increase awareness of the struggles of the Indigenous People of Utah, especially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“We wanted a unique opportunity for fans to obtain the Secondary “Lightning Strikes” kit so the players came up with this fantastic initiative to give back through current social justice issues,” Sky Blue general manager Alyse LaHue said in a statement.

“The Loveland Foundation provides incredible resources, particularly for Black women and girls, so this is an opportunity for us to step up with support and continue to state ‘Black Lives Matter.’ We also felt it was important to recognize that the state of Utah is welcoming teams from around the country during the Challenge Cup. By standing with ACTS and our supporters group, Cloud 9, to support UICSL we have an opportunity to leave a positive impact on the area once the tournament is done.”

Front Row Soccer editor Michael Lewis has covered 13 World Cups (eight men, five women), seven Olympics and 25 MLS Cups. He has written about New York City FC, New York Cosmos, the New York Red Bulls and both U.S. national teams for Newsday and has penned a soccer history column for the Guardian.com. Lewis, who has been honored by the Press Club of Long Island and National Soccer Coaches Association of America, is the former editor of BigAppleSoccer.com. He has written seven books about the beautiful game and has published ALIVE AND KICKING The incredible but true story of the Rochester Lancers. It is available at Amazon.com.