Hello beloved football family
I'm sure you all have noticed but I've been quite absent from the soccer scene lately. I've got a job, I'm still running Give for the Game and next month I leave for a 15 day stint in Greece assisting a Seattle based organization with relief work on Lesvos. I'll be traveling as a humanitarian with the sole mission of helping refugees passing through in any way I can.
On that note, Soccer Boss is being put on hold. I made two Tacoma Stars matches this season (hopefully three plus playoffs!!) but I've missed a whole Puma season, the growth of Olympic Force, a Sounders Season, and some days I glance at the Swiss Super League table and can't even remember the last time I looked. This is not a goodbye, but as I stand here at a crossroad in my life I want to say thank you to each and every one of you for what you have contributed so far.
To the players, thank you for your dedication to the game, your dedication to the fans, your love and enthusiasm. You make the game. For me soccer has never been about the sport, it's been about the people who play it. No matter where our paths have crossed, it's been an honor to witness a piece of your career and a piece of your story. Thank you for sharing that with me. I consider all of you dear friends and I wish you the best in whatever adventures life throws at you. I hope it brings you the same joy I witnessed every time you stepped on to the pitch.
Fellow fans, it's been a wild ride. There's nothing better than taking in a match with good friends. The fan community here is like my family. You've all stepped up to make me feel so supported and loved not just in the soccer-related areas in my life but in every challenge I've tackled. Because of friends like you, I've never felt alone. It amazes me how people who are all so different and under no other circumstances would even become acquainted have grown to be such great friends.
Coaches- I've seen a lot of you at work over the years and you are the glue that holds it all together. Many of you have gone above and beyond to make me feel welcome and to make your team available to me as a writer and photographer. I love these soccer players like family- I worry about them quite often and I want the best for them- it makes me grateful to know that they're in good hands.
So I hope you join me on my next adventure. I can assure you footy will be involved as will the regular doses of laughter and shenanigans. I'll see you all in the stands!
Much love