PORT ORCHARD, WA—Port Orchard Football Club is more than a source of local pride and a provider of semi-pro soccer entertainment. It’s also a club that has invested thousands of dollars into providing training, match playing opportunities, and basics like uniforms, food and water for scores of local talented adult male soccer players.
“I think offering an avenue to play at a great level that is of no financial cost to the player is something I’m proud to be involved in,” says POFC Head Coach Patrick Leonard. “This club truly lives by the idea of the best players will play, regardless of the background story. At the most core value of the club it is truly equal opportunity.”
POFC General Manager Sam Ironside says a sense of community drives the club. “We strive on a daily basis to give players, fans and sponsors alike the best return for their investment by giving everyone an experience second to none, and making POFC something they can be both excited about and proud to be a part of.”
More Than Entertainment
Fans love match day, but what happens during the week is what makes Port Orchard FC. “We don’t mind if our supporters see us as entertainment,” says POFC Coordinator David Falk. “We have worked hard to make going to our matches fun. But we know behind the scenes that we are doing more amazing work with our guys than maybe the public generally thinks about.”
Port Orchard FC is a 501C3 non-profit charity, set up to serve local athletes. Financial support from fans (ticket sales) and business partners makes this service possible. The club charges no fees to players.
Hidden Costs
There are general costs for a men’s soccer club but beneath those categories there are also other costs supporters might not think about. Coaching is a needed expense of course, but beneath that are things like gas mileage and match day stipends.
Gear is clearly an expense. Uniforms are expensive. But within that category there are soccer balls, cones, pinnies, corner flags, and other assorted needs. Don’t forget the ongoing costs of keeping a medical box stocked with wraps, ice packs, etc.
Playing in a regional league like the Cascadia Premier League has its own set of costs. Fans might not think about things like league player registration fees and the ever-rising costs of staffing three referees for each match.
Matches are what we all look forward to and work all week for. They are also the most expensive time for POFC. Stadium rental fees combine with referee fees and also having medical trainers on the sidelines. Every home match includes crates of bottled water for home and away.
POFC provides cold bottled water for players at every training session over the 10-12 week season. Special occasions include taking the team out for lunch or dinner. It’s a “thank you” for their hard work but also builds bonding.
“I think we have seen this club value community since day one, the players are absolutely part of that sentiment,” Coach Leonard says.
“I think we see the platform (press, social media) this club offers players as far as presence as well. It’s special. I think players really see the value that comes from representing your community when the club works so hard to make that a pillar of who we are.”
Income Sources
POFC General Manager Sam Ironside is networking with local businesses and organizations to partner with the POFC mission. He’s available at sam@gopofc.com. There are levels of involvement and commitment. There is also a chance to donate directly in any amount.
2025 Home Match Season Passes go on sale February 1st. These sales are an important way fans and the general public can donate.
“One of the biggest things I love about the club,” Ironside says, “is our pride in everything local. Whether it be players or businesses, we have always aimed from day one to showcase and invest time, effort and money into everyone and everything involved in the club because our community deserves it.”
“The community aspect is one of the many reasons I love being associated with POFC.”