OK, ... (checks the byline again) ... Adam Willems, we get it you're enthusiastic, but the objective of the article should not be to convince the rest of us to become Salmon Bay FC fans. Applying a bit of an anthropological observer's eye would actually better capture the appeal of this experience.

Regarding: "Witness the next generation of hometown stars in wholesome environs before they enter the Lumen Field limelight in a few years." I'm a bit skeptical that any Salmon Bay FC products will make a Seattle Reign roster, and if they were good enough to make the NWSL, it wouldn't even necessarily be on the Reign. If Fiona Doherty is willing to play professionally in Greece, she'd be willing to play professionally in Louisville or Chicago. Happy to be proven wrong.

Having gotten my insufferable nitpicking out the way, I'm enthusiastic too. Clearly Salmon Bay FC is its own little cultural phenomenon, as is Ballard FC. And it's great we have this sort of minor-league sports dynamic in this major-league city. In fact, it takes you back to the time when Ballard was its own town. Also, I have to confess I've been tempted to buy both Salmon Bay FC and Ballard FC swag. Both clubs' kits and crests (jerseys and logos) are instant classics.

Speaking of community-driven USL W League clubs with awesome branding, just this week Minnesota Aurora FC came to my attention. There was a news item that Cheryl Reeve, the head coach of the WNBA's Minnesota Lynx, had purchased a stake in the club. And ever since I've been resisting the temptation to impulse-purchase their merch:
https://mnaurora.com/
https://www.instagram.com/p/DNn-m11tXvk/