Over the years, the Oly Town Artesians, a South Sound soccer club that has teams in the USL 2, USLW, and WISL, has found some great talent from the pitches of Mason County and this season high-quality players from around the country and world are showing our area what a close semi-pro team can do. Starting over a decade ago as the Tumwater Pioneers, current owners Ryan Perkins and Jason Smith have taken their love and passion for soccer to the next level by developing teams that have players on the cusp of becoming the next superstars in the sport.

Mason County has always been a great place for soccer players to grow up. With strong programs in the Shelton and North Mason School Districts, plus the South Mason Youth Soccer Park, the homegrown talent is making an impact in the club’s success. From Jason Smith, one of the owners who is from Shelton, to Bradley Hansen in operations, to players Manny Nicasio (SHS), Lily Dose (SHS) and Sophia Green (NMHS), all levels of the organization have representation from Mason County.

The mens and womens teams both have players from Division 1 schools as well as professional level and international level players this year and with their new stadium, South Sound Stadium, the fans will be able to experience up-close soccer action all summer long. It all starts with a Mothers Day Doubleheader May 14, as both teams take on PDX FC, Men at 1pm, Women at 3:30pm. Learn more about the club at Olytownfc.com and check back for interviews with players, coaches and supporters here on Tracing The Fjord.