GM blog: Old Bhoys tryouts, friendlies, season tickets
The last weekend of February saw Old Bhoys SC hold another tryout for the upcoming 2019 roster, as well as some schedule updates with the addition of friendlies to round out the complete UPSL-based slate. 2019 continues to take shape, with the Old Bhoys announcing on the 24th of February that their 2018 captain, Tim Shackleton, had returned for the side’s second year. Look for more player announcements to follow in the build up to the start of the season.
While it’s a busy time, it’s worth highlighting the updates happening at the HQ. With a total of 30 players — a mix of some players invited back from the December session and new registered players — attending the February outdoor tryouts, the Old Bhoys staff took advantage of warmer-than-average weather, and put the players through their paces in a 90-minute session. The roster build out is well underway, and the club is working with local colleges and universities to continue the relationships and add sufficient depth and talent to take on the competitions targeted in 2019. Between the UPSL and CIASA, league play will produce 18 games total, along with three friendlies and the Amateur Cup. There will be plenty of need for depth, high-level training and a focus on effectively performing in each competition to the level necessary. Also, a home venue has been confirmed for 2019 and the schedule has evolved.
Speaking of friendlies, we are thrilled to announce the addition of three of these matches to the Old Bhoys’ slate, providing some preseason challenges as well as a potential postseason matchup that will feature an Indiana flavor. Kicking things off will be Livonia City FC of the Michigan Premier Soccer League (MPSL) traveling to Indy on April 7. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. and tickets will be available on the website soon. Less than three weeks later, the Bhoys travel to Lafayette, Ind. to take on FC Indiana on April 27. The clubs faced each other twice last year, and look to renew the local rivalry at Legacy Sports Club. The final piece to the friendly puzzle will be in mid-July, when Fort Wayne Sport Club will travel south to meet the Old Bhoys. Kickoff date and time will be confirmed before July, but this will mark the visitors’ first trip to face the Old Bhoys. Last season wrapped up with a trip to Fort Wayne, Ind.
These home friendlies will also be included in the season ticket packages, which were announced recently on the club’s social media channels. While the website is still under construction, the club announced that season ticket prices this year have dropped to $30 for all seven home games. This includes a choice of a hat, T-shirt or scarf. The club will announce the merchandise along with design information once finalized. Single-game tickets will also be available at just $5. Children ages 10 and under, as always, are free to attend all home matches.
Also confirmed this season: The Old Bhoys will return to Cardinal Ritter Stadium to host all league and friendly matches. For the inaugural season, Cardinal Ritter was an exceptional partner and HQ is thrilled to make a return for year No. 2. As for the schedule (top image), just one slight change to the 2019 UPSL schedule has been made. May 30, the Bhoys will travel to Bloomington-Normal to take on FC Diablos. This is a small change in the schedule; all home matches are confirmed and we’re looking to join in with the community to build a terrific atmosphere at Cardinal Ritter Stadium.
The final piece to add to this post is the return of our first-ever captain, Tim Shackleton. Announced on Twitter and Facebook on Feb. 24, the club is thrilled to have Tim rejoin for year two. Our leading goal scorer from a year ago, Tim is the first announced signing so far. Look for several more to be announced in the lead up to the opening of the regular season against RWB Adria on May 4 in Chicago. The roster is targeted to grow to 35-40 total; currently the staff have signed several players who’ll look to grow the club in 2019 and beyond.
Lastly, Old Bhoys HQ is still welcoming any and all organizations, businesses and individuals to come on board as sponsors and partners for the 2019 season (and beyond). In an effort to grow the game and our community presence, and provide high-level soccer between the youth game and full-on professional status for players and supporters, the club quite frankly needs to onboard and develop a sponsorship base. Soccer at this level depends on this relationship. If you want your company logo on our gear or believe in what we’re trying to accomplish at Old Bhoys, drop us a line. We’d love to be able to give back in a relevant and meaningful way that raises interest in your organization as it does ours. The benefit of working at this level is that we can frankly customize any approach. If you have an idea for getting your organization’s name out in the community, let’s talk! I bet we can collaboratively find a way.
Like what you’re reading? Please let the Soc Takes folks know, or drop me a line: andyhayes1980@gmail.com. Look forward to hearing from you!
As always, COYOB!
All image credits: Logan Wiening
Follow Andy on Twitter: @Andy_H_1980.
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