Bad news: I need your money

It's time to pay up. As previously reported here, they are on the high side. Unfortunately, we have to pass on the increased fees charged by the league plus try to offset the fact that we had a smaller roster when we started the season. Let me repeat that the team's finances are open to everyone, 'cause I know you work hard for your money.

We're going to keep the charity program rolling as well. Let's try to beat the $180 mark that we set last season. It's just a few extra bucks. Remember, the donation is optional. For newbies, you can read about our charity program here.

Without further ado...

Dues $92
Donation $13

TOTAL $105

Please send the money within 1 week. I will send payment instructions by email.

Spring dues

Playing on premium fields ain't free. Please send in your Spring dues by March 23rd. We prefer paypal, but will accept personal checks. Instructions to follow by email.

Dues are a little higher than normal to account for the team's sweet jerseys. (Don't think that this extra amount comes even close to covering their cost). Nevertheless, we encourage you to squeeze in a few extra bucks for our new charity program. If everyone donates, we can reach a couple of hundred dollars in our first effort.

$90 dues

$9.00 optional donation to Goleros charity program (all proceeds go to United for DC).

$99 total

Just pay it and get ready for a great season!

Budget report

Team finances are in decent shape, all things considered.  

For dues, we're running a deficit for the year.  We have a few delinquents out there - you'll get emails from me.  I'm not a bank, please remember that.  Most of the deficit comes from indoor, because two guys who signed up bolted before the first game.  We were actually running a surplus for a long time because the indoor league never bothered to charge me.  I had to remind them like three times.  They just did it in July; I was about to issue refunds.

For our charity program, which is off budget, we collected $125 in the Spring season.  Because it took a while to get everyone paid up I never disbursed the money.  I'll hold onto it until fall and send the whole jackpot to United for DC at once.  It's just as well, our spring total is a  little disappointing.  Previously, we raised more, with a 50% participation rate, despite higher dues.  This time around, less than a third of the team contributed.  Let's raise a nice sum this fall.  Pretty soon, we'll pass that $1,000 mark in total contributions over the year or so that we've been doing the charity program.

Fall dues were paid to the league this week.  That's the topic of a future post.

Thanks for your donations!

Thanks everyone, for your donations to our charity program. Today, I released $450 in funds to United for DC (see letter below). The funds were collected during both the spring and fall seasons in 2008.

We had a great participation rate in the fall - more than 65%, which exceeded our goal! Granted, United for DC could probably raise more money with one phone call to a larger donor, but $450 ain't nothing. Since 2007, we've now made $880 in contributions. Next time, we'll break the $1,000 mark, which will be a real accomplishment. What makes the program work is that I already have to collect money from the team - a few extra bucks here and there add up.

Thanks again!

Goleros Soccer Club

http://www.golerosteam.blogspot.com
golerosteam AT gmail.com


September 29, 2008

Ms. Sara Peterson
Program Manager
United for D.C.
c/o RFK Stadium
2400 East Capitol Street S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20003

Dear Sara,

On behalf of 25 recreational soccer players and supporters of the DC United organization, we would like to present another modest contribution to United for DC – this one, in the amount of $450.00.

The Goleros are an adult, co-ed, recreational soccer team based in Washington, D.C. (http://www.golerosteam.blogspot.com). Founded in 2000, we play on Sundays in the Capital Coed Soccer League (CCSL – http://theccsl.com). Our team nominated United for DC as a designated charity for which we reserve a portion of our bi-annual dues. We hope to continue making periodic donations to support your organization’s mission of promoting literacy and healthy living for local children.

It continues to be a pleasure to work with you. Thank you for including us on various mail and email correspondence regarding upcoming events. We’re hoping to send a few representatives to the annual awards reception at the end of October; we will let you know.

Best regards,



Pete & Jackie
Captains

cc: Zach Walker, Caithlin Gorman

We give to charity

This season, we're kicking off our charity program. Captains of the Goleros have spent so much time collecting money from players, we decided that we could use that process to support worthy charitable causes on behalf of the team. Over time, we hope to raise hundreds maybe even thousands of dollars for good causes. Each season, we'll ask for a small optional contribution on top of dues. Whatever we receive will be periodically sent to charity in its entirety. Again, your participation is optional.

We've chosen United for DC as the charity. United for DC is the charity arm of the DC United. It supports DC-area children's programs and soccer-related causes such as DC Kicks for Kids. Donating to United for DC will create a relationship between our team and the DC United, as well as give something back to a sport and a region that we enjoy. We only wish there were a good way to give to funds that would create more open space or facilities for rec soccer. If you have ideas about that, let us know.

So, get ready to kick in a few extra bucks this season. The announcement about dues is coming soon.

Spring 2008 dues

Time to pay up folks!

Dues are as follows:

$85.00 Player fees

$15.00 Optional donation to team-designated charity

Total: $100 w/ charity or $85 w/out

Please pay immediately via paypal (to pdi.usa@gmail.com). I will also accept cash or check at the field. If you go that route, please bring to the first game.

Let me give some further details for those who want them. First, the team's books are always open to those with a google account. I continually run a deficit paid out of my own pocket, but as long as it's reasonable, I don't mind, it's worth it to me. For instance, two players flaked for our indoor season and my personal dues were about $300, versus $70 for the other players. It happens.

Second, dues are almost $10 cheaper this season versus last (they were $93) - we hit our target. We are in good position in terms of the number of players on the team, which is the key.

Third, this charity program is really working out. Read about it here if you're new. We're averaging about a 50% contribution rate among players. I'd like to up that so we can keep the money rolling into United for DC.

Thanks everyone!

Charity program off to a great start

This is a reminder that we need your dues ($90 + 9) by the first game. We have to write a big check to the league so don't leave us hanging.

The charitable program is off to a great start! So far, we have 100% participation among those who've paid (remember, use paypal if you can!).

Do you need a further incentive? For those who haven't paid yet, and there are plenty of you, your captain will match your contribution, subject to a total limit. The money goes to United for DC. Although we won't be able to send a huge contribution, we should easily be able to pass on a couple of hundred dollars.

Budget not affected by global financial crisis

Don't worry, team finances are in good shape, despite the global financial crisis. Here is a budget report.

Almost everyone is paid up for the fall season. Dues were $1650 plus a $25 overage fee since we decided to retain a little known alternate by the name of Carlos. I'm not trying to say he's little. Unlike last year, when our roster could swell to 30, we're only allowed 25 players. We have 23 full time players, which is one of the largest teams we've ever had - thus, the lower dues. We shouldn't have a problem fielding a team week-to-week.

Do you have an opinion on dues - do we get our money's worth from the league?

People really stepped up for the charity program this season - about 65% of the team participated! I am thrilled with that; it beats expectations. We had always aimed for 50% and gotten about 33-40%. Shortly, we'll be sending a check for about $400 to United for DC. I'll do another post on it. Really cool.

Is everyone happy with our choice of United for DC as the charity recipient?

Charitable program successful

The second go-round of our charitable program was successful! We set a team goal to exceed the $180 contribution we made in the spring. We managed to reach $250.00 this time, with some matching by your captains. We had a modest participation rate of 50%. If we can get that to 75% in the future, we're set. In any case, thanks everyone for giving. We're giving a little back and, in the meantime, establishing a good relationship with the DC United.

Here is the letter to United to DC from the team:

November 6, 2007

Ms. Sara Rabe
Program Manager
United for D.C.
c/o RFK Stadium
2400 East Capitol Street S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20003

Dear Sara,

On behalf of 20 recreational soccer players and fans of DC United, I would like to present our second contribution to United for DC. Although it is a modest contribution of $250.00, it represents an increase over our contribution this past spring.

As you may know, the Goleros are an adult, co-ed, recreational soccer team based in Washington, D.C. Founded seven years ago, we play on Sundays in the Capital Coed Soccer League (CCSL – http://theccsl.com). We have nominated United for DC as a designated charity for which we reserve a portion of our bi-annual dues. We hope to continue making periodic donations to support your organization’s mission of promoting literacy and healthy living for local children.

On a personal note, thank you for email acknowledgment of our last contribution. I posted it on our blog, which I think helped generate some additional interest in contributing to the charitable program this year. In the future, please feel free to keep us apprised of your organization’s activities by email or snail mail. I hope that the annual charitable dinner was successful; next year, we hope to send some representatives.

Best regards,



Pete & Megan
Captains

cc: Zach Walker

Thanks for your contributions

Tomorrow, we are submitting the following letter to United for DC on behalf of the team. We made a $180.00 contribution, which included a pledged 100% match by your captains. We'll have a simple goal of exceeding this total next season. Thanks for your contributions. We had about a 60% participation rate on the team. Well done, everyone.

Goleros Soccer Club

2906 S. Buchanan St.
Arlington, VA 22206
http://www.golerosteam.blogspot.com
golerosteam@gmail.com


May 22, 2007

United for D.C. c/o RFK Stadium 2400 East Capitol Street S.E.Washington, D.C. 20003

To Whom It May Concern:

On behalf of 20 recreational soccer players and fans of DC United, I would like to present a modest donation in the amount of $180.00. We are happy to support United for DC’s mission of promoting literacy and healthy living among local children.

The Goleros are an adult, co-ed, recreational soccer team that plays in the Washington, D.C. area. We have been around for about six years, and we currently play in the Capital Coed Soccer League (CCSL – http://theccsl.com). Earlier this year, we decided to create a charity program in which we would reserve a portion of our bi-annual dues for charitable purposes. We named United for DC as our sponsored charity. We hope to make periodic donations – hopefully in increased amounts – in the future.

Best of luck in your charitable activities.

Sincerely,



Peter XXXX & Megan XXXX
Captains

cc: Ryan Rich, Russell Cope

Charity report

As of today, we have a 100% participation rate in our charity program.  That is awesome, let's keep it up! 

Charitable contribution made on behalf of team

We closed the books on our charity drive and sent the following letter to United for DC on behalf of the team:

June 3, 2009

Ms. Sara Peterson
Program Manager
United for D.C.
c/o RFK Stadium
2400 East Capitol Street S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20003

Dear Sara,

On behalf of the Goleros Soccer Club, we are pleased to present United for DC with a modest contribution in the amount of $150.00. We are big supporters of your organization and enthusiastic fans of the DC United.

The Goleros are an adult, co-ed, recreational soccer team that plays in the District (http://www.golerosteam.blogspot.com). Founded in 2000, we play our games on Sundays in the Capital Coed Soccer League (CCSL – http://theccsl.com). Our team nominated United for DC as a designated charity for which we reserve a portion of our bi-annual dues. We hope to continue making periodic donations to support your organization’s mission of promoting literacy and healthy living for local children. Since we began raising money for this effort, we have contributed a total of $1030.00.

It’s always a pleasure to work with you. Best wishes in implementing your programs and activities this year.

Sincerely,



Peter & Allison
Captains

cc: Zach Walker, Caithlin Gorman

Personally, I want to thank people for giving in this difficult time. Money is tight right now for everyone. Contributions were down significantly this season but hopefully, we can bring them back up next season. We will probably do a little re-evaluation of the program as well. Anyway, this is yet another reason why we are an awesome team!

Message from DCU

We got this response from DC United and its charity arm, United for DC. Thanks again to everyone who contributed.

Peter and Megan,

I wanted to write and let you know that I received the check with your donation to United for D.C. Thank you so much for supporting United for D.C.'s efforts in the greater Washington D.C. community. With your contribution you will help to support our signature programs, Kicks for Kids, United Reads and the newest program, United Soccer Club, which provides after-school clinics for youth in the Ward 8 community.

I greatly appreciate your decision to support our charity. Please let me know if you are interested in receiving information about our fundraisers throughout the course of the year. We have our golf tournament set for Monday, June 18 and there will also be an end of the year team awards reception in October. I will be sending a contribution receipt shortly. Feel free to contact me with any questions.

Thanks again,

Sara

Sara Rabe
Program Manager, United for D.C.
United for D.C., the charitable arm of D.C. United
c/o RFK Stadium
2400 East Capitol Street S.E.
Washington D.C. 20003

Your official announcement on dues

This is your official announcement to pay dues. The deadline is game time on March 28th.

The bill comes to $80 per player. Don't forget about our charity program. Throw in your optional donation of $20.

Please use paypal to my personal address.

Email to follow.

Dues report

The deadline for fall dues is today (see prior post).  As of yesterday, my records reflected that only 7 people had paid.  Therefore, my blacklist is quite long.  Starting today, I reserve the right to publish it!

The charity program is working.  Most people have contributed.  Please do - it's an $18 optional add-on, and if necessary, you can give less than that.  I would like to get about $250 in contributions.  It would be modest, but it's beginning to add up season after season.

Spring season dues - deadline is March 29th

Time to do some business. Please send your dues by March 29th using paypal. Send the money to pdi.usa(AT)gmail(DOT)com. I am using that wierd format so that my personal email address cannot be mined off the Internet.

$80 Dues
$20 Optional charitable contribution (learn more).
----------------------------------
$100 TOTAL


Thanks for your prompt attention to this. Dues are the same as last season. We've worked hard to keep them down. I hope everyone continues to support our charity program. We can cross the $1000 mark this season if folks keep giving.

From the archive: 2006 review

Friday, January 26
2006 Review
Goleros Enjoy Productive Year in 2006!

This year was a great year. Two regular season campaigns, two tournaments, a new league, and good times.

Spring season! Our Spring season was a little on the rough side. We had a few games with severe attendance problems and one forfeit. But we put together some impressive wins, and had one memorable 0-1 loss where we played a fully-staffed Frightening Pace for 90 minutes with only 7 players. We lost on a corner kick header in extra time - after defending three corners in a row. We were 2-4-2 (.333).

Fall season! New league! That season was our last in Montgomery County. In the Fall, we moved to the Capitol Coed Soccer League. CCSL is reputed as one of the best coed leagues in the country, and certainly among the most competitive in the DC area, save maybe the Arlington coed league. Costs were doubled but we got our money's worth. Better fields, better locations, three person, certified reffing crews and better organization. We entered the third division (the lowest of four divisions), and suprisingly, the level of competition was higher than the Montgomery County 2nd division, where we had played for a year. But we won our final three games and finished 4-3-1 (.500). We had two shut-outs (for and against). Offensive points were nicely distributed among 10 players. The last game was a 7-5 shootout where no matter how much we fell asleep on defense, our offense was not willing to lose!

Tournaments! We had a phenomenal run in tournaments this year. We played in two - the Coed Classic in July, and the Fallfest tournament in November. Both are run by Columbia Soccer. The July tournament was our first successful tournament. We put together an awesome team and ran the table, losing on PKs in the final match. We gave up only 3 goals the entire tournament. We were finalists and runners-up. Yeah, trophy. This past November, we repeated our July performance - perhaps turned in an even better one despite the same result (losing in the final). This time, we gave up only 2 goals: 1 in the semis and 1 in the final! Thus, in 11 tournament games, we gave up a total of 5 goals. Our goal differential was 19:5. Amazing. So, finalists, runners-up, another trophy.

Other news! Folks, be ready to add new players in the Spring so we can bolster attendance. We will begin our charity program, possibly take part in a pre-season tournament. Also, congrats again to Griz and Mary on the birth of their little one - a full-blooded Golerita.

Announcement on dues is coming soon

I'm afraid there's no good news when it comes to dues. The league raised our fees in order to pay for the premium fields that we've been getting.

I'm projecting dues of $92 per person, which is a very small raise over last season and still higher than what I'd like to be charging players. On top of this, we will continue our tradition of seeking optional contributions for our charity program. It's just a few dollars, please consider it. Also, I've promised the new recruits that we will pro-rate their dues, and we will. I'll get with you individually.

As usual, I keep our finances on a google spreadsheet that is available to all who want to see it. I'm sure you can all imagine that even with these dues I don't come out ahead in the pocketbook. But keeping dues to a minimum is important to me and to everyone.

When the formal announcement is made, you will have 1 week to pay up, so please be ready.

Fall dues are $100* - deadline is Aug. 30th

Fall season is fast approaching and it's time to pay up. Please note that we have a new payment policy, which is posted below.

Again this season, we encourage everyone to make a suggested donation of $20 to our charity program. Over the course of several seasons, we've been able to collect more than $1000 for local childrens' programs at United for DC!

Please send the money via paypal to pdi.usa(AT)gmail(DOT)com.

$80 Dues
$20 Optional charitable contribution
--------------------
$100 TOTAL

Thanks!