by David Falk

BELLINGHAM, WA — Representatives from the eight Evergreen Premier League (EPLWA) clubs will gather for the first-ever Annual General Meeting (AGM) January 10-11 in Wenatchee. As they do, it is likely that the launch of Bellingham United FC back in 2012 will be used as an example of how to get off on the right foot.

Nicknamed “The Hammers,” BUFC has been the leader in soccer attendance in the state of Washington for ‘small’ adult men’s clubs. The Hammers have drawn an average of over 1,000 fans per match each season. That tops all four of the state’s PDL clubs during that time. Bellingham has also been able to tap into community pride and business support. These things are important for brand new EPLWA clubs in Vancouver, Spokane, Tri-Cities and Wenatchee. They are also goals for the league’s other previously-existing clubs in Seattle, Tacoma and Bremerton.

Earlier video with BUFC owner Jeff McIntyre

What’s the “blueprint,” and can it be done elsewhere around Washington?

A mix of professional-standard operations, social media and match day presentation have helped the Hammers elevate adult amateur soccer in Bellingham. Even though the players are not paid, fans buy tickets, scarves, t-shirts and more because the presentation at Civic Stadium is professional and gives the community a sense that it is viewing something special. Online the Hammers have a high-quality official website at www.BellinghamUnited.com and a huge Facebook audience by small club standards, at over 5,300 likes at www.Facebook.com/BellinghamUnited.

It certainly helps that the Hammers operators understand ‘football culture,’ and run their club in such a way that it feels authentic. It is also very helpful that they play in Bellingham, a town with plenty of Sounders fans and an important age demographic (19-30) coming over from Western Washington University.

Getting businesses on board is a challenge where ever you are. In Bellingham the Hammers did the smart thing, and understanding football culture, they hooked up with a prominent local pub right out of the gate. The Copper Hog is now home base for both supporters and the club. They also seek out other authentic, local businesses around Whatcom County, and have a presence in the annual Ski to Sea parade.

Each EPLWA club faces its own unique challenges in becoming relevant with local fans and community. Seattle Stars FC will need to concentrate efforts around Tukwila, and among players families and friends. South Sound FC will need to find a proper place to play and build a micro-community around that venue. WestSound FC will be challenged to coexist with the Kitsap Pumas and reach beyond their current community of families. Spokane Shadow will need to score an occasional breakthrough with local media as they also engage their club families. Vancouver Victory FC will have a chance to enrich a local football culture in the shadow of the Portland Timbers, just across the river. Wenatchee United has the opportunity to bridge local culture with Hispanic love for the sport. Three Rivers Tri-Cities will seek to unite three towns under one crest.

The recipe for success will be a bit different in each of the eight Evergreen Premier League towns. There will be special circumstances and nuances in each unique locale. Still, the basic formula is there for the other clubs to emulate: professional operations, authentic football culture, community involvement. In essence, act like football clubs…with the desire of attracting football fans.



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