A MESSAGE TO SF CITY FC SUPPORTERS CONCERNING THE 2020 USL LEAGUE TWO SEASON
Our community is facing a health crisis of unprecedented proportions, and SF City FC intends to do its part to help. We have worked closely with both our fellow clubs in USL League Two’s Southwest Division and with league officials from USL to determine the best response to the COVID-19 global pandemic.
After thorough consideration and discussion, it has been decided unanimously by all the member clubs of the Southwest Division to not participate in the 2020 USL League Two season. While the decision was made with reluctance, we cannot flinch from our responsibilities to our fans, players, and community for the following reasons.
One, the impact of social distancing on community gatherings and lack of venue availability has been drastic. It is simply not possible to engage in public sporting events at this time under current restrictions, and we wholeheartedly endorse the decisions of our public health officials and intend to do all we can to support them, and thus hasten the end of this crisis. The uncertainty of when we will be able to host matches again makes the necessary planning for even a shortened or delayed season impossible.
Two, closed-door games are not an option for us. First, football without supporters is unthinkable, contrary to the club’s ethos, and economically unsound. Next, the significant health risks to our players are unacceptable and we cannot expect them to be adequately prepared to represent the club without the ability to train as a group.
And finally, we have a responsibility to you, our fans and owners, to the long-term health and growth of this club, which would be gravely threatened by attempting to compete in an atmosphere clouded by the economic repercussions of the pandemic on sports in general and our sponsors.
Therefore, we intend to shift our focus this season to doing all we can to support our community in this crisis. The Club is making an immediate donation of PPE to the Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center. We intend to continue with our charitable and community activities to the greatest extent possible. In addition, for all those that already purchased a membership for this season we are offering the option of a refund. That said, members are the foundation of SF City and we appreciate your dedication and support during these challenging times so for all that continue their memberships for 2020 we are proud to offer the following benefits:
- We will donate a portion of your 2020 membership dues to local organizations aiding the front line responders and those hit hardest by the pandemic, in addition to the funds we have already committed. We will also do this for anyone who buys a membership going forward.
- You will still receive your membership packet, including scarf, for this season and retain all membership privileges.
- We will honor 2020 “bring-a-friend” and drink vouchers throughout the 2021 season.
- Free admission to any club events in 2020.
Let’s all work together to help each other through these difficult times. We promise we’ll be back as soon as possible better and stronger than ever.
ROLL FOG!
A Message for the Glens Family About Our 2020 Season
Dear Glens Family,
First, we want to share with you our love and appreciation for the support and patience you have demonstrated as we worked closely with league officials as well as local, state, and national health authorities to understand the impact of COVID-19 on our upcoming season.
These are challenging times as San Francisco, our nation, and the world face a global pandemic that has affected our families, communities, and way of life. Though our goal has always been to provide you with the highest level of soccer possible, it cannot come at the cost of the safety and well-being of our fans, players, coaches, staff, and everyone involved.
Thus, after careful thought and consideration, it was determined that the Glens—along with the other five clubs in the Southwest Division—have collaboratively made the difficult decision to withdraw from the 2020 USL League Two season.
“We absolutely support the Southwest Division’s decision,” said USL Vice President Joel Nash. “At the end of the day, it was about much more than soccer and we look forward to welcoming them back even stronger in 2021.”
In the meantime, all six Southwest Division clubs encourage everyone within our respective communities to be kind to one another, to look after those in need, and to encourage social distancing as much as possible.
We will continue to stay active and engaged in our community off the pitch, and welcome any and all support in those endeavors. Only together can we endure these trying times and come out stronger for it. Please stay home and stay safe.
UP THE GLENS!