Recap of the 2026 Northern Lights Gala

Northern Utah United Soccer Club Kicks Off the First Annual Northern Lights Gala with Unforgettable Celebration

The Inaugural Northern Lights Gala, hosted by Northern Utah United Soccer Club, was nothing short of magical. From the moment guests arrived, it was clear that this evening was more than just an event, but it was a celebration of community, growth, and the guiding lights in the lives of our young athletes.

Red-Carpet Glamour at Castle Manor

The night began with a true “blue-carpet” experience at Castle Manor, where Aaron V Photography captured paparazzi-style portraits. Families and friends watched in awe as the young athletes transformed from their familiar soccer uniforms into elegant, gala-ready looks. Many parents laughed through tears, joking they could barely recognize their children. But more importantly, they saw them glowing with confidence, joy, and pride.

As teammates greeted one another, laughter and delighted exclamations filled the room. “You look so pretty!” echoed throughout the evening as the athletes connected in a setting far removed from the soccer field. The Northern Lights Gala gave these young players a moment to celebrate themselves, not just as athletes, but as individuals and to forge deeper bonds with their teammates in a truly special way.

Delicious Dining and Heartfelt Rememberances

Guests enjoyed a mouthwatering Mexican-style buffet catered by La Tormenta, sharing stories and laughter throughout the evening. The night began with a warm welcome from Calvin Sharpe, NUU Board President, who opened the gala by reflecting on the mission of Northern Utah United Soccer Club and the significance of honoring the people who guide and inspire our young athletes.

The evening quickly took on a deeply personal and emotional tone, with moments of reflection honoring the legacy of Brad Ward, whose family attended and listened as Chris Guymon and Lyle Bair shared heartfelt memories about the profound impact Brad had on the Northern Utah soccer community.

Brad Ward Scholarship

One unforgettable moment that left a lasting impression on all attendees came when 2013G ECNL-RL player Arabel Skabelund took the stage to present a heartfelt poem she had written about her guiding light, Coach Jeff Ginn. Her words, filled with gratitude, admiration, and emotion, resonated deeply with everyone in the room reminding all of the profound influence coaches and mentors have on the lives of young athletes.

The gala’s purpose truly came to life as guest speaker Jerrod Calhoun delivered a heartfelt message about mentorship, leadership, and the importance of being a guiding light in the lives of young athletes. His words reinforced that success is measured not only by goals scored, but by the guidance, support, and care we provide to the next generation.

The evening concluded with Jeff Ginn taking the stage to deliver moving closing statements to fellow coaches, players, and parents. His words reflected the heart of the Northern Utah United Soccer community, honoring the dedication, perseverance, and passion that make this club and its members truly special.

Dancing, Music, and Community Celebration

Once the formal program concluded, Steve from Seize the Night Records transformed the evening into a vibrant celebration. The dance floor stayed packed as kids and parents danced together, from modern hits like K-Pop Demon Hunters’ “Golden” to timeless classics like the Cupid Shuffle. The joy was palpable; it wasn’t just about music, it was about community, shared laughter, and creating memories that will be cherished forever.

Honoring Our Guiding Lights

At its core, the Northern Lights Gala was a tribute to the people who light the way for these young athletes—the coaches, mentors, parents, and family members who inspire, support, and guide them both on and off the field. For many players, this evening was a rare opportunity to pause, reflect, and honor the individuals who have made a lasting difference in their lives. Seeing them express gratitude and appreciation for their guiding lights brought the true meaning of the gala to life.

Gratitude to Our Sponsors

A heartfelt thank you goes to our event sponsors—Castle Manor, Stryder, Seize the Night Records, and La Tormenta—for their incredible support and dedication in making the inaugural Northern Lights Gala a truly unforgettable evening. We are also deeply grateful to our table sponsors, whose generosity helped bring this vision to life: All Tech, Aaron V Photography, Bair Auto Repair, Cache Valley Extermination, Horace Mann, Industrial Tool & Supply, Logan Optical, Paul Davis, Peck Baxter Watkins Bailey, PTI Stockyard, Quality First, ridge chiropractic and Solar Class & Tint.

Thanks to all of these amazing supporters, we were able to create a magical night for our players, families, and the Northern Utah United Soccer Club community—an evening that will be remembered for years to come.

Looking Ahead

The First Annual Northern Lights Gala was more than a celebration—it was a manifestation of the Northern Utah United Soccer Club’s commitment to community, mentorship, and connection. This magical evening set the stage for a cherished new tradition, where athletes and families alike can celebrate achievements, honor those who guide them, and create lasting memories together. We can’t wait to see this event continue to grow and inspire for years to come. Be on the lookout for next year’s date to be announced.

Written by Stephanie Ratto