West Coast Goalkeeping WISL Partnership- WCGK of the Year Award to be announced

Written by Merrick Parnell (Icon Productions Marketing)

West Coast Goalkeeping produces some of the finest goalkeeper gloves in soccer and proudly serves as the official goalie glove and equipment partner of the Western Indoor Soccer League (WISL).

West Coast Goalkeeping (WCGK) has established a strong relationship with the WISL over time. The partnership originated from owner Shawn Norris's desire to support the WISL's mission of promoting and fostering indoor soccer in the Pacific Northwest. The league provides a platform for adults of various playing backgrounds to engage in high-quality play, all while inspiring supportive communities and young players.

“Shawn Norris and WCGK have always been a tremendous supporter of the WISL and our efforts to promote high-level indoor play in the region. Their gear contributions ensure that our goalkeepers are equipped with the latest and best, enabling them to perform at their peak," said Crouch. "We take pride in our commitment to regional partners like WCGK. While they've become a global brand, servicing professionals worldwide, we value the relationship we've built and appreciate their generosity towards our players. Witnessing WCGK's growth over the years has been exciting, and we look forward to continuing to develop our goalkeepers with their products."

Norris and WCGK have consistently prioritized supporting local soccer as a fundamental principle.

"We've been fortunate to be involved in FIFA World Cups, MLS (Major League Soccer) Finals, and Premier League events, but it all starts in Washington, right in our backyard," noted Norris. "We aim to support every level of the game, from recreational to professional. From the Seattle Sounders to the WISL's semi-pro level, our gloves are there."

Since the partnership's inception, WISL goalkeepers have embraced the gloves and are also utilizing WCGK padded goalie pants and other gear from WCGK. The players appreciate the opportunity to be supported with equipment. The company has worked diligently to develop and provide gloves tailored to the indoor game. 

WCGK customer service team comprises former or current goalkeepers who've worked closely with many WISL goalkeepers to ensure they have the right glove fit and features, given their background as goalkeepers. 

“It was a pleasant surprise for them [the WISL goalkeepers], I believe," said Norris. "We customized the gloves based on individual player preferences, incorporating features such as enhanced grip, finger protection, or precise fit, particularly for indoor play. Some keepers were astonished by the exceptional grip of our gloves and were intrigued by their care and maintenance to retain that stickiness."

Bellingham United Goalkeeper Riley Liddle, who has been using the gloves since 2017, praised their versatility and durability for outdoor and indoor games.

"I find them to be incredibly versatile for indoor games, with exceptional grip and durability being the main reasons for my preference," said Liddle. "I appreciate the variety of cuts they offer, especially the slimmer cut with internal grips, which is relatively uncommon. Additionally, the option to remove or replace finger savers is a plus. Having tried numerous brands, I believe West Coast offers unmatched glove quality for the price, along with appealing color schemes compared to competitors."

Norris and West Coast Goalkeeping are delighted to witness the gloves' widespread acceptance.

"Despite over 50% of MLS players wearing West Coast Gloves, I'm still surprised when people in our own state opt for non-local brands. We offer the best warranty and utilize top-quality latex, so I make a concerted effort to raise awareness about who we are and why we're different – we genuinely care. Our local team is deeply passionate about soccer and goalkeeping," Norris emphasized.

Don't miss the last opportunity to watch our goalkeepers in action, the WISL hosts the championship game this weekend (March 2, 2pm kick) at accesso ShoWare Center and will be announcing the WCGK Goalkeeper of the Year at halftime during the Tacoma Stars Pro game, following the final. The WISL will announce other league awards and honor the champs during this time as well. Special WISL tickets are available here- Use password WISLFINALS

History of West Coast Goalkeeping

Norris initiated West Coast Goalkeeping in his garage to provide superior gear for his son and his goalkeeper friends. Coming from a background at Disney, where he oversaw all licensed video game products with Nintendo, Norris possessed design and manufacturing expertise, enabling him to create a superior product tailored for a select group of individuals.

The glove gained significant exposure when Scottish goalkeeper Scott Morrison wore a pair during a Scottish Cup match against the renowned Glasgow Celtic. Impressed by the glove's performance, Morrison shared his experience with others, leading to more professionals adopting it, and the brand began to flourish.

"Our intention was never to achieve the level of success we have; we simply wanted to produce exceptional gloves that people would love, and that remains our goal," concluded Norris.

Photos of some of our leagues Goalkeepers-