Why This Cup Matters, and What's Happening Today
Happy belated Father's Day to every dad, stepdad, bonus dad, and reluctant youth soccer coach in the WCF community — we hope yesterday treated you well. And happy Juneteenth weekend — we're grateful for this community and everyone in it.
The World Cup is happening and it's closer than you think
If you haven't been paying attention to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, you're forgiven — not everyone is a soccer person, and that's fine. But here's why you might want to glance up at the screens during your next set: the tournament is being played in the US, Mexico, and Canada this year, with games in Seattle and Vancouver, close enough to Portland that you could feasibly go and still make it back for work on the next day, though we wouldn't judge you if you *cough cough* were sick.
The US team opened with a win, then beat Australia in Seattle on Friday to clinch a knockout round spot — the first back-to-back World Cup wins for the men's team since 1930. There are games Wednesday in Vancouver and Seattle. If you haven't been paying attention, this is a good week to start, because the group stage wraps up soon and the knockout rounds begin June 28th — and the US has a real chance at something historic.
There's something kind of electric about working out while a World Cup match is happening 170 miles north. The vibe at the gym has been different the last two weeks, and we're leaning into it. Or maybe people are just happy to have something more exciting on the screens than SportsCenter.
Speaking of young athletes who are about to be very inspired
Every time a major tournament like this comes around, kids watch it and want to go play — which is one of the best things about sports on a global stage. The problem is that inspiration and physical preparation don't always arrive at the same time, and that gap is where most youth sports injuries live. More than halfof them are overuse injuries — not the dramatic collision kind, but the kind that build up slowly in a body that nobody taught to absorb what it's being asked to do.
Youth Pre-Habilitation Workshop — Today at 5pm
Paydyn is leading a free 60-minute workshop in the yoga studio this eveningfor parents of competitive young athletes, and the timing is kind of perfect. He'll cover how to recognize the movement flaws that lead to season-ending injuries, the difference between working out and actually bulletproofing a young body for a full competitive season, and how to build the kind of durability that keeps your kid on the field instead of watching from the sideline wishing they were on it.
If your kid is watching the World Cup this week and already mentally planning their fall season, this is an hour worth showing up for — and it won't cost you anything. Limited spots, sign up at the front desk. Come early enough and you can catch the Argentina match on our screens while you're at it.
You mean the world to us,
Your West Coast Fitness Family
P.S. Quick correction from a previous newsletter: Alyssa Cooks' Trailhead Training event on July 6th is a free info session, not a hands-on workshop — come learn about the program, meet Alyssa, and ask questions. The full training program starts August 17th. Details at the front desk 💪
P.P.S. Free Training Mondays are still happening, and you're missing out on a free membership perk if you don't go. It's the easiest and freest way to help you level up.
P.P.P.S. 4th of July hours are from 7am-Noon because we too want to Party in the USA.
