Federal Way native and current Seattle Sounders player Lamar Neagle was honored during the city council’s Nov. 5 meeting.

Councilmember Kelly Maloney reiterated a number of charities and activities that Neagle has helped in recent years.

“Tonight we are pleased to recognize Lamar Neagle, a Federal Way native who is achieving things on the soccer field with the Seattle Sounders, while building a legacy off of the field with his community work,” Maloney said.

“Most everyone in Federal Way is familiar with Lamar’s achievements on the soccer field, where he has scored eight goals in 30 appearances this year, and helping lead the team to its fifth straight playoff appearance. As a professional athlete, he has been committed to using his status to help his hometown and provides a role model and helping hand for young people.”

Maloney touched on Neagle’s part in an advertising campaign a couple of years ago, in which he appeared in a television commercial and the associated print materials for the campaign. Neagle’s biggest achievements off the field come from his work for youth in the region, Maloney noted.

“He has been very active in causes to help young people in Federal Way, and Federal Way’s surrounding communities,” Maloney said. “He has established the Neagle Foundation to support youth through athletics and academics throughout the Seattle area. A member of the Boys and Girls Club as a youth, he has given back to the Boys and Girls Club by raising money for the club and making personal appearances.”

Neagle, 26, had raised $7,000 for a number of local organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club, the Washington Global Health Alliance and Washington Youth Soccer. On top of that, he’s also involved with America Scores: Seattle, where he helped put on soccer clinics and raised awareness for their 60-60-60 campaign to promote literacy and community involvement for youth in underserved communities.

The city’s recognition came on the heels of Neagle being named the Sounders FC Humanitarian of the Year in recent weeks.

“Tonight, the city council and mayor would like to recognize Lamar Neagle as a Federal Way native who is making a difference both on and off the field,” Maloney concluded.

Neagle thanked the council for their recognition, saying that the groups he tries to help now were instrumental in leading him to where he is today.

“I think just growing up in Federal Way, I got the chance to play soccer, introducing me to it,” Neagle said. “And I think if I lived somewhere else, I might not have had that same opportunity. I know I’m blessed to be where I am right now, and I just want to try and give back, and fulfill a couple of kids’ dreams in the process.”