Pictured, top row, left to right: Tyrel Droppers, Samantha Jensen, Richelle Bruch, Paul Smith
Bottom row, left to right: Maranda McGillivary, Alicia Salazar, Audrey Hines, Jodee Olive
The Sturgis Soccer Association is, according to President, Richelle Bruch, a secret in the region. “And it shouldn’t be,” she said. “If something is this great of an opportunity, then it shouldn’t be a secret. We have a phenomenal atmosphere with a phenomenal environment. Our coaches are beyond talented.” Richelle, the board, the volunteers and the families who are involved in the Sturgis Soccer Association want every soccer-loving family in the area to know that their best option for youth soccer is in Sturgis.
But, according to Richelle, this soccer club won’t be such a hidden gem for long. “All enrollment has increased over the last year,” she said. “We’re seeing significant increases. We had 32 percent growth in the fall season, which is insane because we compete with other school sports during that time of year.”
Vice President, Paul Smith, said the thing that is driving this growth comes down to passion. “All of our board and all of our coaches are volunteers. So everyone who is involved is coming from a place of pure love for the sport.” And these volunteers aren’t making a casual commitment when they choose to serve these families. “It’s almost like having another full time job,” Paul said. “So it is truly a passion.”
The future is bright for this soccer club that is serving families, not only in Sturgis, but throughout the Black Hills region. And with a planned expansion of facilities, Richelle said that the volunteer board and coaches really do have their eye on legacy. “We don’t want to leave a legacy that helps us today,” she said. “We want to leave a legacy that helps tomorrow. We want to make sure that in 20 years our kids have a place to play.”
P.O. 833
Sturgis, SD 57785