What sparked your family’s initial involvement in the formation of the club now known as Phoenix Rising, and what role did you play in its early stages?
When my family moved to Arizona in the late 70’s after years of living abroad my parents found a soccer landscape that was devoid of an organized association. There was constant confusion regarding fields, referees, etc. A small group of parents, my father included decided to create Arcadia Soccer Club so that they could organize in-house games with teams built from local schools and neighborhoods, on local fields to ensure that games actually happened, and kids were having fun. This small club grew quickly over the years eventually becoming Arcadia Scottsdale United Soccer Club, then Scottsdale Soccer, and eventually Phoenix Rising FC Youth Soccer. My brother and I played for the club throughout all of our youth career.
How do you reflect on the club’s humble beginnings, and did you envision it growing into the successful organization it is today?
I don’t think that there was a way for anyone from those early days to imagine the exponential growth of the club. I was lucky enough to bring my father out to see The Max Shacknai Invitational, and a couple of the Saturdays at the rec program in Scottsdale before his passing in March. He was gobsmacked at the size and scope of the club. It made him very proud to have been a part of this organization in the beginning.
What were some of the biggest challenges the club faced in its early years, and how were they overcome?
As it turns out, some of the same challenges we have today, are ones the club faced back then. Field space, referees, unruly parents and coaches. We didn’t have a common site for all the games, so we utilized all the Scottsdale Unified School District fields, which made coordination of equipment a bit more hectic to say the least. All of the equipment, uniforms, etc. were kept in club members’ garages and spare bedrooms. As a young player, I recall going to pick up our team uniforms at one of our neighbor’s houses, and when she open her garage, it was stacked floor to ceiling with uniforms, nets, flags, and balls.
How has the club’s rebranding from the Blackhawks to Phoenix Rising impacted its relationship with the local community, and have there been any notable changes in fan engagement?
Well, I can’t speak to the wider Phoenix metro area, but I will tell you that partnering with Phoenix Rising FC has driven a lot of interest in what we are doing and the standards that we uphold. People have an expectation that we are a professional club and operate that way. This was an easy transition as the club was already operating that way under our long-time leaders.
In what ways do you think the Phoenix Rising name and brand better represent the team’s values, mission, and aspirations compared to its previous identity?
I don’t. In the 25 years I have worked with the club, we have always put players first. The emphasis should be, and always has been, the development of players into not just better players, but better people. In my experience, soccer has been the vehicle, by which we help kids develop.
In your opinion, what factors have contributed most significantly to Phoenix Rising’s growth and success?
Strong leadership, a high standard for coaches, remaining connected to our mission, and an unofficial “a community built on respect” policy.
What aspects of Phoenix Rising’s growth and evolution make you most proud, and how do you think the club’s leadership and community have successfully maintained its core identity and values?
That is tough, as there are so many things to be proud of. Maybe it’s that fact that the club has always had a small, connected feel, even when we have grown and expanded. Seeing all the coaches from around the state show up for our development sessions is amazing. When I see masses of coaches all wearing the PRFC badge, it feels good. That said, I think the thing that makes me the most proud is seeing the recreational program fields on Saturdays. We have 17 fields with 2000 kids from 4 to 14 years old enjoying the game. There is something beautiful about kids just playing for the joy of the game.
Are there any memorable moments or achievements from the club’s history that stand out to you?
Too many to list, but I will try. Coaching the legendary 96 boys, the “Summer Socials” lead by our own Neil Graham, and a 1 nil winner against a highly touted Sereno boys’ team on a windblown parking lot of a pitch at Friendship Park. Maybe the best was seeing players that I coached come back through the club years later as parents, and coaches. That is probably the best.
Looking to the future, what aspirations do you have for Phoenix Rising, and how do you envision its continued growth and impact on the sport?
My hopes for the club are that we always remain true to our origin. The club was built with the idea that soccer is a vehicle for kids to grow as people, develop as players, and most importantly have fun. If we stay true to these core values, there are no limits. The club outlived my father, I know it will outlive me, and I am confident it will be around for my children’s children.
