PORT ORCHARD, WA—Port Orchard Football Club completed the home portion of the club’s inaugural regular season on Sunday July 9 with a 3-0 win over Twin City Union at Kitsap Bank Stadium. The match drew 742 fans and pushed the season total for POFC to 4,013. The club averaged 669 fans over six home matches, smashing all previous Casacadia Premier League records.
The Founders Circle
POFC Coordinator David Falk says the success of the season was built back in February. “Our Founders Circle Membership drive from February 1-23 was an astounding success. That block of over 330 season tickets really set the pace for us. Even after the promotion ended we kept selling, eventually moving 480 total season passes.”
Dressed For Success
The commitment shown in advance by Kitsap area soccer fans was augmented by consistent walk-up crowds of around 200 more fans, giving POFC a buzzing match day experience that drew notice around the state and region. Local food trucks reported good match day sales and online store partner Levo Soccer made sure jerseys, scarves and flags were available. The stands were dotted with the colors of Port Orchard FC. The coaches and volunteer staff were dressed for success with POFC polos.
Supporters Groups Bring The Noise
The match experience at Kitsap Bank Stadium included chants, cheers and flag waving from the Sidney City Supporters and the DOM-inators. One group approached matches from a world football cheering style while the other focused their love for POFC on player Dominik Pajimola. It was a mix that brought the stands to life, surprised opposing teams, and boosted Port Orchard’s players.
General Manager Sam Ironside
POFC General Manager Sam Ironside sees the connection between match day support and winning the Pacific Division title. “Winning the division is achieved large in part by the fans and the fact that the community and fans have come out in support of a team less than a year old is incredible to watch and a further reiteration that it was the right time to build this club. The only way is up and I am looking forward to many more successful years to come.”
Gaffer Pat Leonard
“I remember our first sit down in the decision to make this team happen this year. The support since that moment has been sensational,” says POFC Head Coach Pat Leonard. “The backing we have received and the support that’s come our way is humbling, but also excites me about the long-term project here with POFC.”
“What we did with the work behind the scenes is offer a platform for soccer locally, where we knew our community could step up and create something special.”
“The support has far exceeded what we could’ve wished for in our first season. My hope is that they’ve seen the product on the field and the game day environment that’s been created and think it’s a project worth further supporting and getting excited for next season too.”
Assistant GM Tyler Brown
“For me it’s all about the kids,” says POFC Assistant General Manager Tyler Brown. “I see hundreds of future POFC players at every one of our games. And since day one, watching the players thank the fans and take pictures and sign autographs for all the little kids in the crowd, is what it’s all about.”
“I’ve been working with youth soccer here in Port Orchard, and I can definitely tell you these kids are infatuated with these players. They come out to practices wearing POFC jerseys. They all have POFC stickers on their water bottles. It’s amazing to see the little ones looking up to these guys and seeing that they have a path to work towards for soccer in their local community.”
Backing From Local Businesses
Some wonderful people behind local businesses stepped up to make POFC come together so quickly. El Sombrero Family Mexican Restaurant made sure the club had cool custom uniforms. Port Orchard Spiro’s Pizza and Pasta is a second home to the club already. Across Sinclair Inlet Bremerton City Nursery saw the regional appeal and possibilities. Peninsula Beverage Co. had the club’s back on jerseys. Create It! Woodworks made a special magnet for the historic opener. Brick House 714 Bar & Grill made sure we had a practice field in July. South Kitsap Soccer Club has been a great source of volunteers, ball kids and community soccer knowledge. POFC got its first small business partner with Paul Turner / WoodmenLife.
Born in 2023, PO, FC! Great team, I made it to every home match and they never disappoint! I even made it into one of your crowd shots! I am looking forward to supporting them for the remainder of the season and am pumped for year 2!!