It's been a little bit since I provided an update about the happenings at DeKalb County United headquarters, so I figured before everyone gets (even more) busy with the holidays now may be a good time.
First, I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. We had a busy few weeks as you may have seen thanks to the marketing team as our family welcomed a little boy named Henry. Everyone is doing well.
As for the club, we are in fine form as we're just about at the half-way point of this long off-season. The work never stops, but we've taken lots of time to be better organized as a volunteer group.
We had about 30 young people attend our fall camp a few weeks ago and I think everything went well. Thanks to all that participated and to the coaches and staff that organized the event. We look forward to more opportunities to develop our local youth players in the future.
Season Tickets for the 2020 campaign went on sale recently. After not having a "family pack" option a year ago, we introduced what we think is even better. Along with traditional season tickets that get you one ticket to each home game, the new "24-pack" gets you 24 tickets to use at any home game, in any combination you want. Skip two games, then bring five friends to the next one. Just use those 24 up before the end of the season! All the information is on the website, and until the end of December both ticket options are 10% off and come with a little supporter pack of goodies.
On the soccer side of things of course things have been quiet, but we're really excited about where we are. Our first team will be competing in the new Midwest Premier League. We'll have some old rivals and some new ones, and it sounds like a few more teams will join the MWPL very soon as well! Hopefully we have the full season schedule out in February or sooner. Head Coach Michael Gecan is returning for his third season, while Assistant Coach Zac Ludwig will join him for his second season in the dug out.
Our men's u23's will enjoy similar consistency with Head Coach PJ Hamilton and Assistant Coach Dave Lichamer returning to build off their first campaign in 2019 in the Metropolitan Soccer League.
And making their debut in 2020, our women's u23 side will see Dan Carl take charge as the Head Coach with Chris Brown recently coming aboard as his Assistant.
We're lucky to have Goalkeeper Coach Tim Smith back helping all three groups in 2020 as well. This is a tremendously experienced group of coaches at all levels. We've got licensed coaches with many years running various programs so I know our teams are all going to be well looked after. We are all excited to see the success on the field for all of our players in 2020!
It's hard to believe but tryouts are right around the corner as well. Our first round takes place on New Years Eve for all teams. Again, all the information is on the website and sign ups are open!
Now is as good a time as any to tell everyone to save the date for our 2nd annual futsal tournament the weekend of February 15th-16th. More info and details will be released in the coming weeks. We had a great event a season ago, and we're excited to build off of that experience and make it even better for our participants!
As part of our planning for 2020, we are currently engaging in talks with companies locally who would like to advertise through DKCU or support through sponsorships. We've got a number of options to allow you to engage our supporters and get your name out there. If you're interested or just want to learn more about DeKalb County United then shoot us an email.
I'd like to wish all of our supporters, coaches, staff and players a great holiday season! We're honored to be able to operate this club for you, and because of you. Thank you for your support, your time, your energy and your willingness to follow along with this journey. Help us spread the word...it's your club.
Up the Greens!