SHELTON, WA – The Artesians announced Tuesday a new partnership with Taylor Shellfish based out of Mason County will be taking over as new USL kit partner for FC Olympia featuring their logo, name and a holographic “Oyster-Shell” themed print. The partnership news broke via film directed by Mirror Room Media where FC Olympia fans get to know Taylor Shellfish in a story-like film where workers go from farm to field with the new kits.
Taylor Shellfish was incorporated in 1969 however the Taylor family has been harvesting Oysters in Olympia and Shelton since the 1890’s. Taylor as an organization is a family affair with much of the generational family managing the family business. The company has shellfish sales on a global scale but their hallmark is local, sustainable marine farming and providing the freshest, cleanest shellfish to Pacific Northwest communities.
“Our crew is full of soccer fans, youth coaches, and even former players—some of whom now spend their days farming shellfish” said Taylor Shellfish Marketing Manager Jada Pearson. “The overlap between the Taylor team and the FC Olympia fan is a unique one, and we love that this partnership brings both worlds a little closer.
From their beautiful Oyster Bars in downtown Seattle in Queen Anne, Capitol Hill and Pioneer Square to the local-famous seafood market off highway 101 between Olympia and Shelton; Taylor Shellfish has best in class oysters, clams and an array of other delicious pacific northwest seafood.
“When we say ‘tide to table’ we mean it” said Pearson. “At Taylor Shellfish Farms, we’re a fully vertically integrated operation. That means we do it all: from spawning shellfish in our own hatcheries and raising them in our nurseries, to farming them on our tidelands, processing them in-house, and shipping them nationwide.”
“We’re thrilled to have Taylor Shellfish join FC Olympia and USL path to pro soccer” said Artesians Owner Ryan Perkins. “We’ve had players, staff and supporters all be a part of the Taylor Shellfish organization so this partnership feels very hyper-local and reflective of the regions roots.”
The announcement comes after the Artesians spent 7 years with Well 80 as the title color kit partner however the brewhouse was recently announced as the new USL Venue partner for FC Olympia which features a new beer garden in 2025.
“I’m glad that we we’re able to be the kit title sponsor for so many years” regaled Well 80 Owner Chris Knudson. “I have always felt that the Well 80, FC Olympia partnership made sense. We’re a brewery that utilizes Artesian well water to make beer, in the town where Olympia Beer made ‘It’s the Water’ famous, and FC Olympia’s nickname is The Artesians. It just works so well.”
Despite the change the three companies have planned sharing hype events to release the jersey that will feature Well 80 Beer and Taylor Shellfish Oysters. This will also be the first ever year an Olympia-USL match will feature beer sales along with a true soccer-centric viewing experience.
“I’m super excited about the beer garden” said Knudson. “Soccer is great to watch on its own, but it’s even more fun when you have a cold one and a bunch of loud excited fans to enjoy it with. I’m excited to see lots of new and familiar faces in the beer garden this season.”
“Taylor Oyster Kit”
The 2025 USL home kit features a new style of print which FC Olympia and Taylor Shellfish are describing as a “reflective oyster shell coloration” where the kit actually changes colors with any light that shines on it. What comes with the new partnership is the clubs first ever all aqua-blue shorts, socks and jersey which the new “FC Olympia” oyster reflective print.
“I dreamed of a kit that could change colors” said Perkins. “A ‘Hunger Games’ style fashion being brought to soccer with numbers and names changing colors while a team advances down the pitch. I then thought of oyster shell artwork pieces I’ve seen over the years where some oyster shells have an almost ‘Chromaflair’ changing color property and it stuck with me.”
C-Sharp Images Introduces the Kits
Women’s Soccer Lucy Bergford | Men’s Soccer Erick Tornquist
Apparel Models Jada Pearson & Xadier Gonzalez
“Soccer supporters are passionate and community-driven—values we share deeply at Taylor. Whether it’s cheering in the stands or harvesting oysters on the tideflats, it’s all about showing up, working hard, and being part of something bigger than yourself. We’re proud to partner with FC Olympia and celebrate everything that makes this region special—on the pitch and off.” –Jada Pearson, Marketing Manager Taylor Shellfish
“We’re excited to cheer from the sidelines and be a part of the community that shows up week after week to support FC Olympia” said Pearson. “We’re looking forward to bringing a little shellfish flair to the pitch!”
“Taylor Oyster Kit” Release Party | May 8 @ Well 80
To celebrate the kit release Well 80 will be hosting a Taylor Shellfish tasting night at their downtown brewery on May 8th, 6:30PM to 8:30PM with oyster tasting bar, stadium exhibit, live music, jerseys available to buy and season ticket pickup. There will be dinner and drink specials for Artesian Supporters.
New kits can be pre-ordered online starting April 22 and can be picked up at the May 8th event as well as season ticket lanyards otherwise kits will not be available till May 16. Domestic shipping is available after May 16th. All kits ordered online can be picked up at any home FC Olympia USL match.
Taylor Shellfish seafood can be bought online as well by visiting taylorshellfishfarms.com and also learn more about their sustainability and environmentally friendly practices while harvesting pacific northwest seafood.
The USL men’s season kickoffs May 16 as the Artesians take the field against longtime rival Ballard FC, a typically nationally ranked USL Men’s side from Seattle. The game is slated for a 7:00PM kickoff time in Lacey, Washington and tickets are still available at fcoly.com.
The USL women’s side who are the two-time division champions in the USL W League kickoff Sunday May 18th at 5:00PM against Lane United.
Click to Buy Tickets
Ticketing
Subscribe below to be the first to get news, photos and more!