BERRIEN SPRINGS, Mich. — The St. Joe Kickers Sports Club celebrated 70 years of operation on Saturday with more than 250 of their members in attendance.
In 1953, the club was founded by eight German immigrants, bonded only by their love of the sport of soccer.
When those eight first formed a committee, they didn’t actually own a soccer ball, instead using a tied-up ball of clothes and other materials.
The very same club now has upwards of 300 members and is growing year-by-year.
The club built its first building in 1971, before adding an additional indoor soccer facility adjacent to the club in 2010.
More than 100 teams compete in that indoor space annually, and the club is still keeping a hopeful eye on future expansions.
Saturday’s celebration gave members past and present the chance to gather, share stories, memories, eat food, dance and more.
More information about the club and its services can be found here.