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Playa Bowls In the Mitten Brings Functional Fuel to the Field in Partnership with We Are Soccer

New Sponsorship Helps Educate Michigan Players and Families on the Nutritional Benefits of Better-for-You Ingredients

A selection of Playa Bowls’ superfruit bowls, available at Playa Bowls In the Mitten locations across Michigan.
A selection of Playa Bowls’ superfruit bowls, available at Playa Bowls In the Mitten locations across Michigan. (Noah Fecks / Courtesy of Playa Bowls)

MICHIGAN – Playa Bowls In the Mitten, which operates shops in Bloomfield Hills, Grandville, Grosse Pointe, Holland, Kalamazoo, Novi, Rochester Hills, Traverse City, Ann Arbor and Troy, is teaming up with We Are Soccer Network, Michigan’s largest soccer media platform, offering athletes educational content about how superfruit ingredients can complement active lifestyles both on and off the field.

As part of the partnership, Playa Bowls In the Mitten will contribute to “Fuel Your Game,” a new section within Free Kick, We Are Soccer’s premier soccer show, podcast and newsletter for more than 240,000 engaged soccer fans of all ages. Focused specifically on the superfruit shop’s better-for-you ingredients and the range of nutritional benefits across its menu for soccer players, the section will cover pre-game energy, post-game recovery, hydration and protein, as well as tips for busy tournament weekends, training days and more.

“We believe that supporting an active lifestyle shouldn’t feel overly complicated or force you to sacrifice the foods and flavors you enjoy,” said Matthew Caplan, CEO of Playa Bowls In the Mitten. “Our partnership with We Are Soccer allows us to share how the superfruits and antioxidants contained within our bowls and smoothies can help shape players’ wellness journeys—whether that’s on or off the field.”

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At the heart of Playa Bowls’ menu is a colorful variety of superfruit and superfood bases featured throughout its bowls and smoothies. Acai, pitaya, mango and coconut offer a range of nutritional benefits, including antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals, while fresh-cut fruits, seeds, nuts, granola and other toppings allow guests to customize their bowls to their tastes and lifestyles. The menu also features better-for-you refreshers, juices, cold brew and other options.

“Our goal at We Are Soccer is to help players of the beautiful game, both on and off the pitch. Proper nutrition plays such an important role in preparing for training, matches and recovery, and that’s something many young players are still learning. Whether it’s fueling before a match, recovering afterward, or simply making better choices throughout the week, we want players to understand that what they put into their bodies can make a difference when they step onto the pitch,” said Craig Hearn, CEO of We Are Soccer Network. “Partnering with Playa Bowls of Michigan is a fantastic way for us to help tell that story and give players practical information they can use every day.”

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For more information about Playa Bowls, visit playabowls.com. To learn more about We Are Soccer, visit wearesoccernetwork.com. To keep up with the latest news from Playa Bowls In the Mitten, follow them on Instagram at @playabowlsinthemitten.

ABOUT PLAYA BOWLS

Playa Bowls is the nation’s leading superfruit bowl shop serving up an extensive and unique menu of over 40 items, including the bright flavors of acai, mango, pitaya, green, and coconut bowls alongside better-for-you refreshers, oatmeal bowls, juices, smoothies, and cold brew made with the freshest, high-quality ingredients. What began as a pair of blenders, a patio table, and a fridge in 2014 has flourished into more than 400 shops nationwide that operate in 32 states, thousands of team members, and a mission to lead communities in healthy, sustainable living. The rapidly growing franchise has received numerous accolades, including No. 7 on the 2026 Franchise Times Fast & Serious List, placement on Entrepreneur magazine’s 2026 Franchise 500, Forbes 30 Under 30, Fast Casual's Top 100 Movers & Shakers 2026, QSR Young Leaders to Watch, and recognition as a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Visit playabowls.com for additional information and stay connected on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. For more information on franchising, please visit franchise.playabowls.com/.

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