Why We are Thankful for Sporting KC

The 2019 season may not have gone the way many Sporting Kansas City fans wanted, but there is still a lot to be thankful for in Kansas City. Instead of saying we are thankful for certain players (we are), the amazing Pinnacle training facility and it’s awesome recruiting power (we are), the fantastic organization behind the soccer team and many of things associated with SKC, we at The Blue Testament wanted to take a slightly different approach. Here are three quick, personal stories from Jimmy Mack, Stacy Fulk and myself (Chad Smith).

Jimmy’s Story

I moved to Kansas City on January 2, 2014, having only ever visited a few times before to see my fiancée’s family. I had never lived anywhere other than my hometown of Los Angeles, California, and I knew literally no one in the entire Midwest, let alone Kansas City, other than my future in-laws.

Fast-forward nearly six years, and I have a Kansas City family now. I’m not talking about my literal family, but my Sporting KC family. I cannot put into words how much being a small part of this great club and fan base means to me. Children’s Mercy Park has become my second home, and I look forward to seeing my dear friends each game day and cheering on our boys in blue. The 2019 season may not have gone how we wanted on the field, but I still looked forward to every day because of SKC Nation.

Today, I am thankful for all of you. If you are reading this, you’re part of this special club, and that’s something to be forever grateful for. Thank you for being a part of my Sporting KC family. Now let’s go win some trophies in 2020!

Stacy’s Story

This Thanksgiving I am thankful that being a fan of Sporting Kansas City gives me something to look forward to. When life seems negative or just a little routine and boring Sporting KC is just a little dose of fun. Even when the team isn’t performing as we, as fans, are hoping there is always another game to look forward to or a new season or a new rumor or new little piece of news. This world can be a very sad place sometimes so I’m thankful that, for me, SKC is always a go-to for a pick-me-up, a smile, and a ton of fun.

Chad’s Story

When I was a teenager, the Kansas City Wizards came to little ole Sedalia, Missouri and played a game. I don’t remember against who. I don’t remember who won. But it reminded me how much I love soccer. It was hard to watch the Wizards on TV (or anywhere) at that time and I didn’t really keep up with the team.

Years later, I rediscovered the team and my passion for soccer. A little over four years ago I had a job I didn’t love very much and my wife encouraged me to find some passion to focus on outside of work. That passion was Sporting KC. I’ve been writing for various sites since then and now specifically for The Blue Testament for over three years.

It has given me an opportunity to have unprecedented access to preseason with coaches and players. I’ve traveled to quite a few road games (let’s leave my road record out of this). And I’ve met a lot of people in real life (despite living in Arizona) who know me for my coverage of Sporting KC. I appreciate the opportunities this has afforded me and the escape this has provided for me. Shortly after I started writing about soccer I got a big promotion at work and now my work life and my soccer life are both pretty awesome. I think one may have led to the other.

Head to the comments and tell us what about Sporting KC you are thankful for. From Jimmy, Stacy, myself and the rest of The Blue Testament staff, we’d like to wish you all a happy and safe Thanksgiving.