Building Community Through Soccer: Maigan T. Bridgette’s Story at Sporting Kansas City

In the heart of Kansas City, where the pulse of soccer beats strong and the spirit of community runs deep, lies an individual dedicated to Kansas City’s (KC) community. Meet Maigan T. Bridgette, a Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) whose career journey began with a simple desire – to make a difference. Graduating with the CNP credential from Rockhurst University in 2015, Maigan has seamlessly transitioned her skills into her role at Sporting Kansas City, a Major League Soccer team deeply intertwined in the fabric of the KC community.  

As the Community Impact Manager, Maigan bridges passion, purpose, and proficiency, channeling her expertise to uplift and transform lives across the KC community. While her path may have shifted from “traditional” nonprofit work, her commitment to serving others remains unwavering.  

A Foundation in Nonprofit Management

During her time at Rockhurst University, Maigan dove into the world of nonprofits, earning her CNP credential while completing her bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Leadership Studies. This experience equipped her with invaluable insights into the workings of mission-driven organizations. “My journey began with a desire to make a tangible difference in people’s lives,” Maigan reflects. 

With a passion for political science and social justice, she initially envisioned a career in law but found herself drawn to the nonprofit sector. Reflecting, Maigan shares, “I thought I wanted to be a lawyer. I wanted to help people, but I realized I wanted to help people more directly.” This realization led her to pursue opportunities where she could make a tangible impact on her community – KC’s nonprofit sector. 

Following her time in college, Maigan joined the bustling buildings of the YMCA of Greater Kansas City, where she dedicated nine years of her life to serving the KC community. Maigan commented, “From organizing youth programs to outreach initiatives, every day was an opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives.” 

From Nonprofits to Major League Soccer

While some would perceive a career shift from nonprofits to professional sports as a departure from community service, Maigan sees it as a natural progression. ” Sporting Kansas City isn’t just a soccer team; it’s a cornerstone of the community,” Maigan asserts. “From the roaring crowds at Children’s Mercy Park to the grassroots initiatives fostering youth development, Sporting embodies the ethos of community engagement and empowerment.” 

In her role as the Community Impact Manager, Maigan harnesses her nonprofit expertise to drive meaningful change within the community. One of the standout initiatives is the Volunteer Time Off (VTO) program, where Sporting associates are encouraged to dedicate their time to local 501(c)(3) organizations. “Each full-time associate gets 16 VTO hours,” Maigan explains. “It’s something that is encouraged for associates to do, and that’s where my role comes in to help find those pathways.” 

For Maigan, the essence of community impact lies in the everyday moments of connection. “Every smile, every life we touch, is a testament to the power of collective action,” Maigan reflects. “Whether it’s hosting soccer clinics for underserved youth or providing resources for families in need, each initiative embodies the spirit of hope and resilience.” As Sporting Kansas City continues to score goals on the field, Maigan remains steadfast in her commitment to scoring victories for her local KC community. 

Partnerships for Greater Impact: The Sporting Kansas City Way

Sporting Kansas City is deeply committed to making a positive impact beyond the soccer field, and Maigan plays a pivotal role in making this happen. Collaborating with local nonprofits, businesses, and community leaders, Maigan and the Sporting Kansas City team strive to create lasting change in the lives of KC residents. 

From collaborating with Junior Achievement of Greater Kansas City, where 200 local students engaged in a 10th Grade Case Challenge, to their 25-year-old partnership with the Community Blood Center for regular blood drives at Children’s Mercy Park, the club demonstrates a clear commitment to serving the Kansas City community. 

This February, Sporting Kansas City sponsored Make48, a 48-hour competition held at The University of Missouri-Kansas City, where seven teams of high school students from Project Lead The Way classrooms across Missouri showcased their ingenuity in a ‘Stadium Experience’ themed challenge. The winning team, hailing from Willow Springs High School, was treated to an unforgettable matchday experience at Children’s Mercy Park, courtesy of Sporting Kansas City. 

 In another impactful partnership, Sporting Kansas City’s collaboration with Harvesters underscores their commitment to combating food insecurity in the region. Through their SportingStyle stores, a portion of proceeds from all scarf and beanie sales on home matchdays in March, April, and May will support Harvesters’ mission to provide food to those in need. Sporting Kansas City has supported Harvesters for more than 25 years, including food drives at Children’s Mercy Park and a KC As One campaign during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Reflecting on these partnerships, Maigan emphasizes the importance of collective action. “We’re all about empowering our community through the passion of soccer by uniting our players, associates, fans, and community partners to be a driving force for positive change,” she says. “It’s been fun to work together and create real, tangible results.” 

Beyond organizational partnerships, Maigan also works closely with players to amplify their impact off the field. Whether it’s supporting access to soccer for underserved youth or guiding players in starting their own nonprofits, she is committed to empowering them to make a difference. “A lot of them are interested in starting their own nonprofits,” she shares. “We help walk them through how that can look and connect them with organizations already doing similar work.” 

Inspiring the Next Generation of Changemakers

As Maigan continues to excel in her role, she hopes to inspire the next generation of changemakers. Her message to college students and aspiring professionals is clear: “Those nonprofit management classes don’t mean you have to work at a nonprofit, but they give you a unique skill set,” she asserts. “You have a different perspective, and that’s a good thing.” 

In the exciting world of Major League Soccer, Maigan T. Bridgette stands as a beacon of inspiration. She reminds us that every individual has the potential to make a difference. The Kansas City community is lucky to have you! 

---

Did you enjoy this story?

Get nonprofit tips and tools delivered right to your inbox by joining The Nonprofit Leadership Alliance Newsletter. Our bimonthly newsletter will make sure you know what’s happening with our network of social sector leaders.