Oakland, CA – Oakland Roots SC announce they will auction off the match-worn jerseys from their recent ‘Soul Night’ match to raise funds for organizations fighting for reproductive rights.
On Saturday June 25th the Oakland Roots players replaced their own names on their jerseys in favor of ‘Oakland Soul’ – the name of the new women’s team that will play in Oakland starting in 2023. Following the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v Wade, which came just a day after Oakland Soul unveiled the crest of the new team and the day before Soul Night, the organization decided to take a clear stand in support of all those affected by this decision nationwide.
“Soul Night was a night of celebration but it also reminded us of our responsibility to stand up for reproductive rights” said Oakland Roots and Oakland Soul President Lindsay Barenz. “Our players wore the name of our women’s team on their jerseys in place of their names as a symbol of allyship, and we’re now turning that symbolism into action. We think our fans will love these one-of-a-kind items and supporting reproductive rights work, which has never been more important.”
14 of the jerseys from Roots players who played in the 3-1 victory over Atlanta United II will be available for fans to bid on, including USL Championship leading scorer Ottar Magnus Karlsson and legendary keeper Paul ‘The Wall’ Blanchette. These one-of-a-kind items, which are all signed by the players themselves, will only be available through auction with 100% of the proceeds going to Access Reproductive Justice (ARJ). The mission of ARJ is to “remove barriers to sexual and reproductive Health care and builds the power of Californians to demand health, justice, and dignity”. In addition to this, the organization works with an extensive volunteer network to assist with travel expenses and logistics for those traveling from out of state to California, seeking access to a clinic.
Fans can bid on these jerseys by heading to Oaklandroots.GiveSmart.com and placing a bid now. The bidding will close at midnight on Wednesday, July 27th.
About Oakland Soul:
Oakland Soul is a Purpose-driven, women’s soccer team debuting in the USL W League in 2023. The Purpose of Oakland Soul is to harness the magic of Oakland and the power of sport as a force for social good. Oakland Soul will be an elite pathway to pro soccer for women, providing not only a high-quality training environment but also protecting and empowering players so they are nourished both physically and mentally. Oakland and the greater Bay Area has always been a hotbed for women’s soccer and Oakland Soul will raise the bar in terms of local opportunity. Player by player. Supporter by supporter. Resident by resident. One day at a time. One game at a time. This is still about Oakland first, always.
About ACCESS Reproductive Justice:
At ACCESS REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE, we are building towards a future where all people in California have the freedom and resources necessary to make empowered and dignified decisions about their sexual and reproductive health, including the decision to have an abortion, without shame or stigma and regardless of their race, religion, immigration or economic status. A future where BIPOC and queer communities trust themselves; are trusted; and have the social, political, and economic power to sustain their communities and to build the families they desire, chosen and biological. Join us in the fight for Reproductive Justice.
Contact:
Tommy Hodul, VP of Public Relations and Communications, Tommy@rootssc.com
