Dr. Robin Beavers Connects Community Through Soccer In The Rose City

Last week on Back2Besa, Host Besa Gordon headed to Providence Park in Portland to tap in with Portland Timbers and Thorns FC VP of Community and Social Impact Dr. Robin Beavers, who works to build community through soccer in the Rose City. 

“My job is basically to be out in community using soccer to help uplift the city,” Beavers said. “The owner gave me the opportunity to use this platform to go out and work in the community.”

Beavers, a Portland native and third-generation Oregonian, is also in charge of Diversity efforts at the organization. She and Gordon discussed growing up in the Pacific Northwest and the importance of creating outlets for people to express themselves, both through soccer and other avenues.

“I want everyone to have an amazing childhood and an amazing time while they’re here in Portland. This is my city and I love it,” Beavers said.

She also emphasized the fact that everyone can contribute, whether it’s through donations of time or resources or simply bringing a positive and uplifting energy to their day to day lives. 

“When all those people are in this stadium, they’re all cheering for one team. If you can take that same energy and take that into the streets to try to make the community better, that would be amazing,” Beavers said.

She also spoke about the ways she works to get the players involved in community, and her focus on getting them around those they can relate to.

They were joined in Portland by Award-winning Author Abby Plaatjes. This segment originally aired on Back2Besa. Make sure to tune in to Back2Besa every Saturday at 10:30 pm on FOX 13 Seattle and Sunday at 10 am on FOX 13+.