The two organizations that govern youth soccer in Federal Way entered into a historic sponsorship deal with a local car dealership late last week.

Federal Way Mod Soccer Club (FWMSC) and the Federal Way Football Club (FWFC) will now be sponsored by Doxon Toyota in Auburn. The company is owned by John Doxon, who is a lifelong resident of Federal Way and had children who played soccer in the city.

“This is a pretty big deal for all the soccer players in Federal Way,” said FWMSC President Kimberly Miller-Olson. “This is going to help a lot of kids.”

The “significant” two-year sponsorship by Doxon Toyota will go toward programming and scholarships in Federal Way for all kids who are playing within the two organizations, according to FWFC President Josh Cheatham. The Doxon logo will now be displayed on all the uniforms and training shirts, among other things.

“(Doxon) had kids that have played in the club and I think he was looking for some other opportunities for the kids of Federal Way,” Cheatam said.

The partnership with Doxon was announced at FWFC Night Dec. 11 at Federal Way Memorial Stadium. Over 200 people attended the event, which concluded with a game between FWFC Boys ‘95 and NW Nationals ‘95. The Federal Way team won 2-1.

Aside from Doxon being a resident of Federal Way, another key aspect to his sponsorship of the clubs is the fact that both cater to all levels of soccer in the city. Federal Way Mod consists of children ages 5 through 10 and Federal Way Football Club includes children ages 10 through 18.

“I think this partnership with Doxon is going to help our mission to serve the kids in Federal Way, helping promote the game of soccer at all levels from the entry-level rec player or the year-round competitor,” said Cheatham.

The Doxon Toyota two-year sponsorship will go into effect before the spring soccer season kicks off in Federal Way. The money is also slated to cover all the printing on the uniforms and training shirts, according to Cheatham.