This last Tuesday I had the distinct pleasure of addressing a group of players at Preston Park. It has been a couple of years since I coached and I have to admit, I was a bit nervous. The reason? This was not just any random group, it was our Senior boys who will be leaving us after this season. There were many of them who I coached when they were just starting in the club and now they are all grown up! As I spoke, I was very impressed by their attention, maturity and respect they showed me while I interrupted them for a few minutes before training. We took a couple of pictures to mark the occasion and gave them a gift from the club that our Alumni association members receive.
I asked them all to let us know where they were going to school, if they are playing soccer, maybe going straight into the workforce, whatever it is, we are proud of them and thankful for having them whether they were in the club for 1 year or 10. We hope to see them all again at Alumni events, possibly playing for our new U23 team (Yes…we are forming a women’s team as well) or if we are very lucky, having a few of them come back to be coaches and carry on the legacy of Eastside FC for the next generation.
To all the 2023 senior boys and girls….all the best of luck and we’ll see you again soon!
Chance Fry
Executive Director Eastside FC