Greetings to our community.
It's been some time since I've waxed poetic about all things DeKalb County United, here are some highlights to get you up to speed.
SOCCER UPDATES
First of all, we've had a change in our technical staff with the addition of Eric Luzzi as Sporting Director (think general manager of soccer stuff) and Tim Romanello as first team head coach. We're excited to see what this new regime is able to do, with the support of player development in the men's reserve team, to get us moving up the table in the Midwest Premier League in 2022.
In 2021 our Women's u23 side brought home the club's first trophy by winning the IWSL, and we could not be more excited to see them continue to grow on their success next season.
And congratulations to the NIU Huskies Men's Soccer team who have had a heck of a great season! Well done!
FUNDRAISING FOR LOCAL PARTNERS
The club continues to put community in the forefronts of our efforts to be MORE THAN A SOCCER CLUB. This off season we've already supported Voluntary Action Center with our "5K for DK" virtual race and Egyptian Theater with our 2nd annual charity jersey sale. Thanks to all who participated in those events!
INTERNS
Since concluding our 2021 season we've also been busy with building out our staff with a great group of interns from NIU. Due to some relationship we've built with their Sports Management program, we're fortunate to have some new faces working with the club to see how we do it at the grass roots level and we're thrilled to have so many great young people on board!
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
We identified the need to be more active at community events and increase our presence. Ashley Joyce stepped up and joined our volunteer staff as our Community Outreach Director. She'll be active with the local chambers of commerce, foundations, and other organizations to show our support. Drop her a line for a DKCU presence at your next event dkcu.ashley@gmail.com
STAFF NEEDS
We're looking to expand our staff and bring on someone to focus solely on merchandise, spirit wear, fan wear, etc. If you're creative in designing and can oversee some inventory then reach out to us! A full job description is available too. contact@dkcunited.com
MEN'S TRYOUTS
As we look to supplement and strengthen our roster, we've announced our first two open tryout sessions on January 2nd. https://www.dkcunited.com/tryouts
MEMBERSHIPS
In recent weeks we've launched our 2022 membership drive and we've already had a great number of people commit to the club for next season including TWO lifetime members. You know who you are, and THANK YOU!
YOUTH CAMPS
We have a handful of youth camps coming up in December, suitable for a variety of ages. Sign up here.
SPONSORS
In the coming weeks we'll be connecting with our sponsors again to ensure that our partnerships are working for both sides. We don't solicit sponsors just for the check, we want to provide value, brand awareness and promotion so that the investment in the club is one that provides them with real value. If you're interested in sponsoring the club, please get in touch with Ramneek Chitkara at dkcu.ram@gmail.com. Sponsorships can be in-kind or start as low as $100.
LOCAL 815 Supporters Group
A 2 hour soccer match is supposed to be fun. We have one of the best supporters groups in the amateur game in LOCAL 815. If you like to tailgate, sing, chant, bang drums or just drink beer...these are the people for you. I encourage you to connect with them as they grow and do their part to make our home stadium an absolute fortress for our opponents. They're a board-run supporters group and you don't even have to be local to join them! Shoot them an email at info@local815.com to get more info. #allegedly #theresalwaysbeerintheparkinglot
THANKS
Finally, it's Thanksgiving...and I'd be wrong not to thank all of the amazing coaches, members, sponsors, supporters and staff for pushing this club forward. In many cases, exceeding my own lofty ambitions. This is the community's club and you all do a wonderful job to keep it sustainable, inspirational, impactful and a positive part of our region.
We have lots more great stuff coming up soon, so please follow us on the socials and share when you can. Click this link to get added to our email list. https://www.dkcunited.com/contact
Please have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!
John Hall
DeKalb County United
President
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