CHICAGO (Feb. 27, 2024) — The Chicago Red Stars and Wintrust Financial Corporation announced a partnership that will see Wintrust become the club's new front-of-jersey partner and community outreach investment partner. This unique new collaboration between the Red Stars and Wintrust will double the number of Red Stars camps and clinics that the club offers to young athletes across the city that help build confidence, leadership skills and personal growth through the game of soccer.
"We have seen tremendous growth in women's sports and in the National Women's Soccer League in recent years, and this partnership will help expand the Red Stars' reach" said Laura Ricketts, Chicago Red Stars executive chairperson. "Investing in the players and in the community are top priorities when it comes to our club's success, and I look forward to working together with Wintrust in growing the Red Stars brand and investing in communities across Chicagoland."
The Red Stars partnered with various organizations in 2023 that work to serve underserved communities including: Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago; Brave Space Alliance, the first Black-led, trans-led LGBTQ+ Center; and Urban Initiatives. The new partnership will allow the Red Stars to significantly expand its community outreach and impact endeavors to serve an even wider range of Chicagoans. Part of Wintrust's investment also will be allocated towards supporting causes meaningful to Chicago Red Stars players, namely youth development, women/girls in sports and accessibility to sports.
"We are so pleased to partner with the Red Stars organization and expand access to soccer in communities across Chicagoland," said Tim Crane, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wintrust. "This collaboration goes way beyond what fans will see on the team jerseys. This is an investment in support of women's sports and the ongoing success of the Red Stars. This partnership will fund initiatives, such as doubling the number of girls' soccer camps, and provide additional support to invest in causes close to the players' hearts."
Red Stars camps and clinics service young athletes across the Chicagoland area, providing them with soccer specific activities in an inclusive, challenging and inspiring atmosphere for young female athletes to thrive. In 2023, the Chicago Red Stars held 15 camps across the city and 10 match-day clinics before select Red Stars home matches. With Wintrust's partnership, the club will double the number of camps and clinics offered across Chicagoland, making the game more accessible. For more information on Chicago Red Stars camps and clinics, or to register for summer camps, fans can visit chicagoredstars.com/camps-clinics.
The Chicago Red Stars open the 2024 National Women's Soccer League regular season at Utah on Saturday, March 16, before returning to SeatGeek Stadium to take on Seattle Reign FC in the club's home opener on Saturday, March 23. During Red Stars home matches this season, Wintrust will have a continuous presence in the Fan Zone, located at Gate C at SeatGeek Stadium, where fans can visit to learn more about Wintrust's community initiatives and services.
Tickets are available now at chicagoredstars.com/tickets.
