Hello, My name is Dave Cain (DCFC SO 2008 Boys Rouge Team Manager)

Short version...

The DCFC SO 2008 Boys Rouge team has been on an incredible journey of success and growth! Their achievements in winning the State Cup and the Midwest Regional Championship are truly remarkable. Heading to the National Championship in Wichita, Kansas is a testament to their hard work and dedication to the sport and to one another as teammates. We know we have a community of supporters wishing them all the best in achieving their final goal of bringing home the National Title!

We're creating this gofundme for many of those who have asked and any others who may be interested as to how they can help be a part of this amazing opportunity. Helping assist these players and their families offset some costs they will incur is very much appreciated and will not go unnoticed. This team is battling for the community and making a name for this local non-profit club.

WE ARE DETROIT CITY FC SOUTH OAKLAND! #DCTID

Long version...

In 2012, Detroit City FC was born. Its club motto, Passion for Our City, Passion for the Game, evokes the three ideas the grassroots organization was built upon: to satisfy the demand for soccer in downtown Detroit, represent the city in a positive light, and build community through “the beautiful game.”

In 2020, South Oakland County Soccer (SOCS - Est. in 1990), entered into an affiliation agreement with Detroit City FC Youth with the hopes that our clubs player/coach offerings, curriculum resourcing, pathway opportunities, etc.. would all increase for the betterment of our soccer community. With this partnership we trusted that it would allow us to move forward in fulfilling our vision of building relationships with like-minded communities outside of just the city of Berkley. With this affiliation we’d be able to create a successful and sustainable environment for the growing amount of kids that want to play the game of soccer. Acutely focusing on increasing our need for facilities and structure for players to hone their skills and abilities when striving to reach new heights personally and developmentally. We instantly experienced quantity growth in year one and have continued to each year since. We have seen a tremendous growth in quality year after year as well. It is a blessing to be a part of a collective of non-profit communities looking to grow in a predominantly for-profit landscape. We will continue to “trust the process” and build holistically well into the future. #DCTID

Today, I am writing to you to talk about one of our greatest success stories.

The 2008 Boys Rouge Team is nothing short of extraordinary. Comprised of 17 incredibly talented players, this team stands out not only because of their exceptional skill-sets on the field but also for their off the field academic prowess. They’re led by a coach (Dougie MacAulay) who empowers them to be free thinkers and apply their own individual soccer IQ's within the flow of the game. He also challenges them to execute on tactical scenarios put in front them in weekly training sessions.

Their track record speaks volumes about their prowess. With numerous tournament victories under their belt, the team has consistently showcased their dominance and resilience on the field. However, their crowning achievement came last season when they clinched the first-place title in the highly competitive MSPSP Premier 2 league earning them a promotion to Premier 1 this spring. They grew as a team with player additions but even more so through hard work and dedication to their craft.

Goal 1, win the league. Accomplished!

On Saturday, May 18th, after gong undefeated through 4 matches of group play they stepped into a playoff run (quarters, semis and final) that culminated with them winning the State Cup Championship for the U16 Premier division.

Goal 2, win the state cup. Accomplished!

With that win they earned the incredible opportunity to participate in the Midwest Regional President's Cup in Sioux Falls, South Dakota this past weekend. This tournament is/was not only a chance for our talented young athletes to showcase their skills on a regional stage but also a significant milestone marking their development as individual players and as a team.

The team went undefeated in pool play 2-1, 5-2 and 1-0 which led them to a semifinal match-up against last years Midwest Regional Champions and runner up in the National Championship. In the semifinal (after a 2 1/2 hour weather delay and change of field) while being down 1-3 with 21 minutes left in the second half the boys returned to the pitch hungrier than ever! They came back to win 5-4 after playing 80 minutes plus another 30 of extra time.

That win led them to the Midwest Regional Final against another tough opponent. On back to back days (after multiple matches already) our guys headed to extra time. 2 matches in a row of high intensity soccer going 110 minutes. Our guys would go down 0-1 in the second half of extra time with only about 4 minutes remaining. With just seconds remaining we scored to tie it up 1-1. Onto PKs we go! Our 5 shooters v their 5 shooters! While scorers tend to get the majority of credit in any match or shootout, this one came down to the brilliance between the pipes that is our Goalkeeper. After allowing the first 2 to hit the net behind him, he (Nathan) regrouped and saved THREE straight shot attempts to seal the Midwest Regional Championship and a trip to The National Championship tourney in Kansas for our DCFC SO 08 Boys Rouge!

Goal 3, win Regionals. Accomplished!

The cost of travel accommodations does present some financial challenges for our team and their families just weeks after making the trek westward to Sioux Falls, SD. As a community, we believe in the power of sports to inspire, unite, and empower our youth. By proxy, this also extends to parents, family members and any additional spectators. By supporting our players on this journey, you'll not only be helping them chase their dreams on the soccer field; you'll be investing in their future, nurturing their passion, and fostering a sense of pride in our community.

We’ve already seen and heard the outpouring of encouragement for our boys. It has not gone unnoticed by any of us as parents and by them as players. Together, let's rally behind our DCFC SO 2008 Boys Rouge team, their families and show them that we believe in their talent, dedication, and potential. Thank you for your generosity and for being a vital part of our community.

Goal 4, win Nationals. Pending...

Sincerely,

Dave Cain (2008 Boys Rouge Manager) and the rest of our 2008 Rouge Team and their Families

When: July 12-16

Where: Wichita, KS (Stryker Sports Complex)

All games will be live streamed via Veo LIVE pending service connectivity :-)