Phoenix Rising FC is leaving a lasting mark both on and off the field with its signature community program, “Reading with Rising.” This innovative initiative inspires young readers and fosters a love for literacy while deepening the club’s ties to the vibrant Phoenix community. By blending the excitement of professional soccer with the power of storytelling, the program demonstrates how sports can be a catalyst for positive change.
Through “Reading with Rising,” professional players, coaches and staff visit schools, libraries and community centers to engage with students in meaningful and inspiring ways. Central to these visits are read-aloud sessions featuring books that highlight important values such as teamwork, perseverance, diversity and inclusion. The stories chosen reinforce the club’s broader mission of creating an inclusive and connected community while promoting the importance of education.
The program primarily focuses on second through fourth graders, emphasizing Title 1 schools and underserved communities where access to resources is often limited. By prioritizing these schools, Phoenix Rising helps ensure that every child, regardless of background, has the chance to experience the joy of reading. Participating students are encouraged to set personal reading goals, and their achievements are rewarded with game tickets, team merchandise and even recognition during home matches.
To leave a lasting impact, Phoenix Rising provides participating classrooms with literacy kits. These kits include books, bookmarks and team-themed items like activity sheets and stickers, giving students the tools to continue their reading journey long after the event. For many children, these kits represent an invaluable resource, opening doors to new ideas and opportunities.
A standout addition to the program is the annual “Reading with Rising” Day at Phoenix Rising Stadium. This special event invites participating schools and families to a pre-game celebration featuring engaging story time sessions, exciting book giveaways and the chance to meet Phoenix Rising players. It’s a vibrant day of fun and inspiration, where young readers are celebrated for their achievements and encouraged to continue their literacy journey. The event leaves a lasting impact, fostering a love for reading while strengthening connections between youth, education and the community.
Looking ahead, Phoenix Rising is working to expand the program’s reach through new initiatives. Plans include bilingual reading sessions in English and Spanish to reflect the area’s rich cultural diversity, along with digital resources such as recorded read-alouds and online literacy tools. These upcoming enhancements aim to make the program more accessible year-round, ensuring that literacy remains a cornerstone of the club’s community outreach efforts.
“Reading with Rising” brings together the club’s pillars, which are centered on youth, health, inclusion and community. Through this dedicated program, the club is positively impacting young readers, encouraging them to stay on a healthy path while embracing diversity, inclusion and belonging, along with a shared commitment to community.
The success of the program also reflects the strength of the club’s local partnerships. Collaborations with businesses, libraries and educational nonprofits help provide the resources needed to sustain and grow the initiative. These partnerships ensure that more students and schools can benefit from the program’s positive influence.
Schools interested in participating can easily apply online, where Phoenix Rising staff work closely with educators to coordinate visits and customize the experience to meet the needs of each community. The program’s thoughtful design and collaborative approach have made it a favorite among students and teachers alike.
With “Reading with Rising,” Phoenix Rising FC is proving that its influence goes far beyond the soccer field. By empowering young readers and fostering a culture of inclusion and learning, the club is shaping a brighter future for the community it represents. It’s a legacy of education, equity and connection — one book, one goal and one child at a time.
How to Participate in “Reading with Rising”
Phoenix Rising FC’s “Reading with Rising” program inspires 2nd- to 4th-grade students to embrace reading while earning rewards. For every three books completed, young readers earn two free tickets to a Phoenix Rising FC home game, creating a fun connection between literacy and community. Teachers distribute bookmarks to track progress, signing off on completed goals. These bookmarks can be redeemed at the Phoenix Rising FC Box Office for game tickets.
Running throughout 2025, this program encourages students to reach new reading milestones while enjoying the excitement of live soccer. Parents, teachers and schools play a vital role in supporting young readers as they achieve their goals and share in the celebration of literacy and teamwork. Together, “Reading with Rising” builds a stronger community, one book and one goal at a time.
Tyler Butler, a trailblazer in ESG and corporate citizenship, has led Fortune 500 sustainability programs, contributed to two IPOs and founded Collaboration for Good. With degrees from ASU, Boston College and Cornell, she writes for top publications and serves as head of Public Affairs for Phoenix Rising FC.
