  |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
In 1953, newly arrived German immigrants, lonely in their new country, got together
playing soccer at Kiwanis Park in St. Joseph and various other sport fields in the
area. Soccer balls, goal posts, nets and imported jerseys were purchased through the
generosity of players. The St. Joe Kickers Soccer Club was formed. Soon, dances and
meetings were held at the St. Joseph American Legion Hall to raise money for the
support of the team. By 1955, the Kickers Soccer team was well respected in the
community and joined the highly competitive National Soccer League of Illinois,
having the opportunity to travel to Chicago for away games. Home games were played
at the St. Joseph High School Dickinson's Stadium. By 1958, the Kickers fielded two
soccer teams, the super A team and the younger less experienced B team. In 1959, the
senior team accomplished the unthinkable by moving into the First Division of the
Illinois Soccer League because of their outstanding record. Soccer continued to grow
and the House of David Ball Park became the home field. Soccer tournaments were organized
and the Kickers hosted soccer teams from Germany for fun and exhibition games.To expand membership, in 1968, by special membership vote, the English language was adopted as the official language of the Club. Prior to that year, all business was conducted in German. This was followed by the incorporation of the club as the St. Joe Kickers Sport Club, Inc.
In the same year, an 8-acre building site located in Arden, Royalton Township was
purchased and building plans were made. The needed funds were raised through the sale
of interest bearing bonds to members, and with bazaars and donations. By 1970, the main
building was under construction. Many devoted and hard working members donated many hours
to the project and the building was completed. On May 15, 1971 the long awaited Grand
Opening of the new facilities were celebrated, which included a dance hall, club room,
kitchen, changing rooms with showers, and two regulation soccer fields. An additional 10
acres was purchased in 1973. By 1977, Oktoberfests were being held in the newly erected
100' x 100' activity hall, built primarily for indoor soccer and off-season soccer practice.The 1970's saw a tremendous growth in soccer and club membership. The Kickers fielded 6 teams: senior A & B, junior A, B, C, and the Old Timers. The soccer teams were highly rated and won four Western Michigan Soccer League championships. Their success continued into the 1980's with the Kickers capturing four Michiana Soccer Association titles.
The Kickers' outdoor program has been revitalized by participation in the Blossomland Soccer League since 2004. The Kickers are a charter member of the organization and have won one league title and three cup championships.
As we prepare to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the St. Joe Kickers Sport Club, outdoor
soccer at the Club is not as active as it once was. This came about because of the huge
increase in popularity of soccer in the schools and through many new organizations that
have sprung up with vast new community facilities. With this unprecedented popularity of
soccer, not only locally but also throughout the country, the Kickers are proud to be a
part of the growth of this sport. It is heartwarming to know that many of our former soccer
players have contributed and continue to contribute their expertise as coaches to the growing
soccer programs in our community. In the meantime, the popularity of the clubs numerous
dances and Oktoberfests continue to grow. We sincerely hope that the St. Joe Kickers Sport
Club and our soccer programs will have another fifty years of continued success.
