Summer Camp

Wednesday, July 18^th, 2012 – Detroit City FC 0, Windsor Stars 0

I never spent a summer at camp, but I’ve seen enough movies to get the general idea.

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My following of Detroit City’s first season took on the same basic story arc:

Part 1 – Slight apprehension, not knowing what to expect

Part 2 – Getting used to the people and surroundings

Part 3 – Defining moments, both high and low

Part 4 – Realizing you really like it here and hating when you have to leave

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The friendly against Windsor was unremarkable in terms of on-field play – a scoreless draw with a few excellent saves by both goalkeepers – but the post-game scene was unforgettable to those who were there.

This end-of-the-season celebration – fans, players, coaches, owners, and media jumping around and singing together – is a microcosm for why many of us care so deeply about a 4^th divison soccer club. We care because this is such an exciting, unique experience. We care because the people in the organization are genuine and work their asses off. We care because it’s really, really fun.

In the age of the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl and the KFC Yum! Center (Yes, that is the actual name of a sports arena. Click the link if you don’t believe me), we have an outlet for escaping this accumulation of corporate gunk (for the most part) and experiencing a sport for what it was meant to be: an enjoyable, entertaining way to spend your free time.

We may not have buckets of money and a shiny, state-of-the-art camp like the rich kids across the lake, but we have something that they don’t – the opportunity to build a club and a culture from the ground up, the way we want it.

As the field cleared for the last time that summer, I did what many of us do at the end of a great vacation or a summer at camp. I started counting the days ‘til I could come back.