SRU has been around in some form for about 40 years. Many people now and in the past have worked hard on behalf of the club. I am looking forward to building on SRU’s past to make this a positive experience for our youth and community. I understand that someone new can create some anxieties and uncertainties through change. It is important for everyone to understand that I respect and want to build on what is good in SRU. To maintain what is good in the club, I am setting up meetings with the Coaches and the Board members individually. I am also looking forward to meeting the Managers at their February meeting. It is my intention to get out and meet every team as well as their parents. Throughout this time, I would like to meet people in the community. My primary goal through all of this is to learn what you value in SRU’s successes.  Secondly, I would like to provide an opportunity for you to get to know me.

Many at this point may have had the opportunity to read some of the experiences that have brought me here. What is not mentioned in my resume is the passion I have for this sport and the desire to give back to our youth. I grew up in New Jersey where I started to play the game. I have traveled the world, and through soccer I have seen many wonderful things. I have lived in California since 1998, after leaving professional soccer in the MLS. As a coach and a player, I have had supportive mentors who helped me become successful in soccer. I believe that we have the same responsibility to give back and see that the players in our club can realize their goals and have a positive experience both on and off the field. It is important that I note that the players hold a responsibility in their daily successes and setbacks. It is also our responsibility to show them how to be accountable.

We are not without our challenges. In the immediate future we need to assign the coaches to their appropriate teams. We have State Cup for our young players starting at the end of January. We have all-purpose fields that need to be completed. We have our older players finishing their decisions on the colleges they want to attend. I believe that we need to get more of our players thinking about and getting prepared to go to college. We have to build on the quality trainings that we already offer. We have a club that is excited to move forward and build on past successes, and is ready to take its next step forward.

We may not always get it right, but as a club, Board, Executive Director, Coaches, Managers, Volunteers, and parents, we need to continue to grow and to provide a quality service to our players and the community. It is important to mention how valuable the Volunteers are to this non-profit organization; their time and effort is greatly appreciated by everyone.  My wife and I are excited about the possibilities here and look forward to being a part of Santa Rosa United and the community. I look forward to meeting all of you over the coming months, and if you see me, please come by and introduce yourself.

Best regards,

Steve Rammel

Santa Rosa United

 Executivedirector@srunited.com