We live in an area where soccer has quickly evolved into the largest sport in our market. Our park district gives us some of the best facilities in the nation to play at. We are fortunate to have extremely dedicated coaches helping our kids to play at very high levels locally, regionally and nationally. And lastly none of this is possible without the dedication of our loyal parents and players. Working together our program has grown with great success.
One of the challenges that face us all is the abundance of competitive soccer clubs in our area. All of the local clubs have had varying levels of success at one time or another, but none with consistency at all ages. Over the past six months we have been working with another club in our area to see how we can work together to produce a sustainable program that our players, coaches and parents deserve. Our combined efforts will bring much needed stability to our marketplace and there is no question that these two clubs joining as one will give our players, coaches and parents the best possible program.
Beginning this summer with tryouts in May (Girls 15 & Up) & June (All other Ages), the Raptors/Dactyls and Sirens Soccer Club will merge to form one organization! Both Clubs are very excited about all the possibilities ahead of us. In an effort to show everyone our willingness to work together, both groups have agreed to blend important aspects of each organization. The combined club will keep the Raptors/Dactyls name. The boy’s team colors will continue to be Navy, Orange and White. The girl’s teams will add a Carolina Blue uniform to the Dactyls colors. The #8 will be retired on all Dactyl teams in memory of Kari Lotko, a former Sirens player who was tragically killed in a car accident at age 14 and we will all work together to continue the Brendan Anderson Memorial Scholarships in honor the former Raptor player who lost a courageous battle with cancer in 2003.
We know there will be a few questions from everyone involved and we wanted to write down a few answers to anticipated questions to help you understand how this came to be:
Q. Why did both clubs come together?
A. We will be able to provide the best coaching and playing opportunities for everyone. Working together will immediately strengthen the program. Both of our organizations compliment each other nicely. Adequate numbers of players on each team, playing at the appropriate skill level will give players, coaches and parents a terrific overall experience.
Q. Who will be responsible for the new clubs leadership?
A. Gordy Poluyanskis will be responsible for Dactyls teams age 13 and up. Hugh Ward will be responsible for all Raptors teams age 13 and up. Peter Glon will be responsible for all Raptor and Dactyl teams ages 12 and down. Additional guidance will also be provided by Frank Mateus and Louie Mateus.
Q. Who will be the coaches for each age group?
A. All of those decisions will be made by Gordy, Hugh and Peter.
We are very excited about combining the two premier clubs in the Rockford area to create the best opportunity for everyone.
Sincerely,
Gordy Poluyanskis, Hugh Ward, Peter Glon, Frank Mateus, and Louie Mateus.
