(9/25) The Catoctin Mountain Fútbol Club, also known as the Catoctin Mountain Soccer Club, held its Board meeting on September 5th in front of a packed audience at the Emmitsburg Public Library to discuss the 1st season of the new club.

The club currently has 78 kids registered for the season, and more have been expressing interest as of late. The club is made up of 6 teams and a total of 13 coaches divided accordingly. The teams consist of kids from Emmitsburg, Fairfield, Thurmont, and other surrounding towns.

Alicia Weber, the club’s treasurer, told the audience that the Board has organized some fundraising events in order to support the teams and to get the club everything that is needed for success. So far, the club has raised close to $13,000 from fundraising, donations and registration, which has gone towards league registration fees, equipment expenses, uniforms and other needs for the club. "We will be paying our tournament fees over the season," Weber said.

President Andy Crone talked about how important fundraising will be this season, as they still have needs for field maintenance, game necessities, and upkeep for the increasing number of kids joining the club. A key priority for the club is getting lights for the field they will be playing on. Board members said they brought this up at the last town meeting but have yet to receive confirmation as to whether or not the Town will help fund installing lights on the field.

In an effort to show the benefit of the league to local business owners, the Board will be sending out a survey to parents asking how likely they are to visit local businesses in town. The Board made it clear that the club cares and supports local business and wants to build a bond with them, which hopefully encourages the club with team sponsorships.

In addition to the survey, the Board also plans on sending out a donation letter to families and businesses. "It’s going to be a team effort making sure we keep everything put together," says Crone. The Board emphasized how extremely grateful they are for all of the effort that has been put in to make this club possible and that they are always open to suggestions from the community to make it better!

While eager to get the club up and running, some parents raised concerns as to how long the board members plan on carrying out their roles, not wishing to lose the momentum as a result of departures. Crone noted that the commitment of the Board is for two years and following that period, an election will be held to elect a new board while the old board will switch to "Board Directors." However, he also emphasized that none of the current board members have any intentions to quit on the community—they will be seeing this through.

"We will keep this club what it was intended to be" said Crone, "You’re stuck with us." The goal of the club is to create a bond and share a love for fútbol within the community. All members of the Board are excited to see how this season will play out.

They encourage everyone to come support the club and local businesses in town and watch some fútbol this fall!