Legends,

 

Over the past two years we have seen the world change in so many ways, but one thing that continues to grow is the great game of soccer. The number of people that competes in the beautiful games have exceeded those of 2019 before COVID-19 shut down various parts of the country and life.

 

Locally, with the Spring season just about to kick off, I am once again looking forward to seeing youth and adult teams back on the pitch. I am extremely excited to take on this new role as president of the Maryland Soccer Legends as we move forward into this new year.

 

Changes to the soccer scene as well as new championships have come to Maryland. For the first time in over a decade, Baltimore will have an outdoor professional soccer team with Christos FC joining the USL 2 division Summer of 2022. The last time a team called Baltimore home was in 2010 which was the last year of the Crystal Palace Baltimore franchise. I encourage everyone to make their way out to the brand new Moose Athletic Complex in Glen Burnie for the May 7th Opening match. We are also excited to welcome a New Women’s team to the professional ranks as Christos FC newly formed women’s team will be joining the USLW League Summer 2022, their schedule will be announced shortly.

 

Like any other year we need to remember our brothers and sisters that have left us for the soccer field in the sky. Just to name a few Ed Novak, John Houska, John Bauerle, James Haislip, Lew Hess, John Kraft, Greg Watson, Tom Bailey and Joe Sperato. Each one of the people has helped the game of soccer in some way in our state and we hope that their legacy will live on.

 

We have once again started to send out our annual dues invoices to all members that pay annually. If you have not received this notice, please let us know ASAP. If you have any new contact information, please forward that to us right away so we can update our system and keep you informed with all membership news. We would hate for anyone to miss any information, newsletters, and events.

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We will also be launching our new website this Spring www.marylandsoccerlegends.org . We are extremely excited about this announcement; our team have spent many hours trying to make this new site easy to navigate and keep this organization up with the times. We are always looking for volunteers to help, if you have the skills to help with the website or the social media pages, please contact me directly at mlibber@elitetournaments.com

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May of 2022 is shaping up to be a very busy month. The annual Hall of Fame dinner is scheduled for May 13th at Rosedale Gardens. This is the first time since 2019 this event will be held. Ticket information will be posted on the new website and social media pages in March. We are also hosting the 3rd Annual Golf Classic once again at Rocky Point Golf Course. The event will be May 23rd and we are expecting to sell out with 144 golfers. To reserve your foursome please contact Bernie McVey at berniemcvey@verizon.net If you are unable to attend the golf outing but would like to support the organization, we are also seeking sponsorships or sponsorship leads. Contact Bernie or myself for more information.

 

As the year progresses keep looking for other event announcements. Rumors of international soccer matches at M&T Bank Stadium are out there and the decision on the potential World Cup bid for Baltimore will be announced in April. If they become true, we need our membership’s help to continue this organization, and to continue to grow this great game in the state of Maryland. If you have any new thoughts or way to help, please reach out. I hope to see everyone this year on the pitch and around the sidelines.

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