Family and Friends:
Wow, what a first season! It’s hard to believe nearly a year ago, twelve boys stepped out onto the fields at Power Ranch, not knowing what this season would bring. “Thank you” to families who had faith in our vision, and who trusted us to find an alternative to grow and develop their sons, and teach them the beautiful game of soccer. As you know, those twelve boys, and their fearlessness, lead to what the valley now knows as EV Barza FC. With the hard work and dedication of our volunteers, coaches and staff, EV Barza FC has created a name for itself, a name established and built with character, honor and integrity.
All things founded with the right intentions inevitably lead to growth and success. So, it brings me great pleasure to announce that effective immediately EV Barza FC has begun the transition to become an official affiliatememberof FC Barcelona, Spain. Through a Membership Program under FCBarcelona Penya CA., we will be changing our official name from EV Barza FC Soccer, Inc. to FCBarcelona Penya CA. – Arizona. Additionally, our teams will fly under the banner of FCBarcelona AZ for all league and tournament competitions.
What does this mean? First and foremost, as a member of FCBarcelona Penya CA., FCBarcelona AZ automatically becomes an official affiliate of the most prestigious and recognized futbol club in the world, FC Barcelona. As one of the largest sports icons in the world, FC Barcelona’s crest and colors are recognized worldwide and we will now have the privilege to wear the official FC Barcelona jersey that is one of the most recognizable and enigmatic shirt designs in the world of futbol. In addition to our affiliation, we will also be recognized as a Nike Premier Club and our children will wear the official Nike FC Barcelona uniform kit as well as Nike training gear and apparel.
Although attractive and recognizable, their colors and uniforms are not the only reasons why FC Barcelona has become so popular. Their enormous popularity has
grown worldwide by the way their players and coaches uphold the highest standards and expectations of competition, both on and off the field. Is this not the goal intended for our youth?
Some may ask, “Why FC Barcelona.” FC Barcelona proudly promotes a Club motto, “mes que un club” or “more than a club.” Their actions strongly exemplify their words. For the first time in the club’s 107-year history, FC Barcelona featured the UNICEF logo on its team jersey. This world-renowned futbol club has made a commitment of contributing $ 2 million per year to benefit children across the world affected by HIV / AIDS. Part of this generous contribution is to publicize the partnership between FC Barcelona and UNICEF, reminding futbol fans of the importance of putting children first. This is not a sponsorship rather a contribution on behalf of FC Barcelona to UNICEF to support their cause. This commitment to UNICEF and to the world’s children reinforces FC Barcelona’s motto, “mes que un club,” which we so willingly adopted as true to our own vision.
Becoming an official affiliate of FC Barcelona, and wearing and promoting the official name, will generate tremendous interest that will assist our teams with the recruitment of both quality coaches and players, thus increasing our potential for success. It will not be the quantity of players FCBarcelona AZ will focus on, but the quality of players, coaches and parents to be added to our family.
As you can tell, it is difficult for me to hide the excitement I have for what our future holds. I embrace, with open arms, the opportunity and development of our relationship with FC Barcelona through our brother Club in California. I look forward to answering the question as to the validity of if our Club is affiliated with FC Barcelona and knowing we can proudly reply, “Yes!” I am very pleased with the accomplishments we have achieved together during this inaugural season, and can only anticipate our continued success and growth of our family.
Respectfully,
Gregory R. Gonzalez
President, FCBarcelona AZ
