The FORZA WIS Jersey: A Community Design Project

During the FORZA WIS event on August 27, the Girls and Boys Varsity Soccer teams stepped out onto the new field in a special-edition jersey created by WIS Alum Oliver Steinglass '16. Oliver is an artist, designer, educator, and the Chief Operating Officer of Design FC, a youth design non-profit that teaches creative skills through the design of sport jerseys and apparel.

Oliver writes: "Last spring, every WIS student from Preschool to Grade 12 participated in a class or grade-wide design workshop, where they were asked to reflect on what they love most about the WIS community and what WIS means to them. Students then worked in groups to create artwork representing their answers. Student designs heavily featured themes of international and local community, kindness, unity, and diversity (and soccer of course!).

With help from some of the oldest WIS students, the artwork all came together to create a final jersey and art piece telling the story of the past, present, and future of WIS, all through the eyes of students."

Through various programs and creative initiatives, Design FC provides youth with life changing experiences, opportunities, and access, while giving them a platform to creatively express who they are. All proceeds from the FORZA WIS jersey will go directly to support the expansion of Design FC’s creative programs into the DMV. The jersey is now available HERE.

A huge thank you to Oliver, Tregaron Making & Design Initiatives Coordinator Kristen Kullberg, and Associate Director of Advancement Gerad Teague for bringing this project to life!