Well...2020. it felt right to pen a few words to close out the year, one we'll never forget but probably want to. I've tried to cover some highlights below of what's been up within DeKalb County United, so grab a pint or a coffee and have a good read.
COMMUNITY
With no soccer this year we really tried to double down on our community engagement. Fay Malkosh is our committee leader for this initiative. She and our Advisory Board have hosted numerous virtual events to support local businesses and nonprofits. We are more than a soccer club and our actions will continue to reinforce that. She can be reached at dkcu.fay@gmail.com if you want to collaborate!
ORGANIZATION
We've taken the extra time this year to better organize our volunteer staff. (It should be noted that we've got one of the largest and strongest groups of volunteers in the lower levels of American soccer...we wouldn't be here without them.) We've broken our Advisory Board into committees to handle different aspects of the club. If you want to get involved, shoot us an email at contact@dkcunited.com.
BOARD UPDATE
I'd like to formally welcome Ron Haub who recently joined our Board of Directors. Ron lives in Sycamore and has been a supporter of the game for many years while supporting his daughters and keeping any eye on Arsenal of the English Premier League. Ron will be assisting with sponsorships and other tasks on the Advisory Board as well. Welcome, Ron!
SOCCER UPDATE
We're thrilled to have Coach Michael Gecan back for 2021 as the leader of our men's first team. We will also have Coach PJ Hamilton at the helm for our men's u23s and Dan Carl kicking off our women's u23 side. With three teams on the field next summer we'll have plenty of live-outdoor action to keep up with and we could not be more excited. Open tryouts will be scheduled soon.
2021 MEMBERSHIPS ON SALE....SOON
Part of our plans for next year include giving you, the members, a greater voice within the club. Our 2021 membership options will reflect the unknowns of the coming year, but will give you more opportunities to connect and have your voice heard. Memberships are a big part of how we fund our operations so we appreciate your support.
SUPPORTERS GROUP - LOCAL 815
A few weeks back we had a virtual roundtable with a group of supporters who are ready to sing, make banners, drink beer and make noise in 2021. If this sounds like something you may be interested in shoot them an email at info@local815.com.
PODCAST
Yep, we launched a podcast. Through it we try to tell our story and also highlight the business side of lower league soccer around the country. Give it a listen! https://www.dkcunited.com/podcast
2021
No one knows yet how next year may look. But if we can safely put players on the field we will do so. There's a real chance we'll be limited with in-person fans, but we're working through contingency plans to provide other ways to engage our members and community. If 2021 looks different than we're used to, we hope you will understand and continue to be involved. Priority number one is that we are around for the long term, and to do that we may have to sacrifice some in the short term. We appreciate everyone's understanding as we embark on the unknown!
In closing, I want to thank you all for your support and for following along with this club. We'll continue to be care-takers for it, but this is yours. We encourage you to embrace it, to use it, and be part of it. We wish you all the best of holiday seasons and we'll see you soon. Stay safe.
John Hall
DeKalb County United
President