USL Saint Louis FC

Letter from Club President Patrick Barry

August 25, 2020 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Saint Louis FC News Release


Dear Saint Louis FC Family -

It has been an amazing 6+ years. We have created something special that will never be duplicated and thus it will always be "ours" to share. Though this is not how any of us wanted Saint Louis FC to end, I am choosing to celebrate that we broke the mold in so many ways since our announcement on May 1, 2014. I am choosing to celebrate all of the accomplishments during our journey together. I am choosing to celebrate that we truly put our city back on the national soccer landscape and laid the foundation for what we hope will be amazing things in the next chapter.

I am so thankful for all of the people who were a part of our journey. Fans, players, and staff made the last six years enjoyable beyond words. Relationships were built, memories were made, a family was created and our city took critical steps forward in the game of soccer. Our world-famous supporters' group, the St. Louligans, elevated themselves into the elite of such groups in this country. They, along with the thousands of fans who showed up at the Park, were the very heartbeat of Saint Louis FC. I will never be able to thank you enough for all that you have done for our club and for our city. We had a lot of fun along the way!

I want to personally thank Jim Kavanaugh and Tom Strunk for having the vision to believe professional soccer could thrive in our city. Their leadership and commitment made this club possible and remained the guiding force for the last six years. Sincere thanks to Jeremy Alumbaugh for being the lead "architect" of Saint Louis FC and ensuring we remained true to our commitment of creating an authentic soccer experience. Finally, immense gratitude to Steve Pecher, Dale Schilly and Kevin Kalish and the entire SLSG organization for taking the leap and having faith in St. Louis soccer when no one else was willing to do so. Their willingness to take the risk was the beginning of something truly transformational for our city.

As we look into the future and welcome St. Louis City SC to our community, I have just one request: Give them the same chance to earn your trust, loyalty and support as you did for us. We worked hard to earn that from you and we worked even harder to maintain it. They will become the stewards of the game in St. Louis at the highest level. With that comes a solemn responsibility to ensure that the game succeeds at all levels, in all corners and for all people. It will be our collective job to hold them to the highest standard for the benefit of all.

Though I am saddened beyond words to bring Saint Louis FC to an end, I plan to celebrate and truly enjoy the balance of our final season. The club deserves to go out the same way it arrived - with passion, authenticity and a sense of family!

I will never be able to say thank you enough to all who deserve it!

Sincerely,

Patrick Barry

President

Saint Louis FC

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