Gulf Coast United soccer club returns, against the odds

Opening day features new jerseys not yet faded, new socks not yet lost or even mismatched, new teammates with personalities not yet revealed and lots of parents signing up for snack duty. • The first weekend of November marks the beginning of the recreational soccer season for many clubs in Pinellas County. • But for Gulf Coast United, Saturday represented more than just the start of another season. It was a victory against the odds. • The organization, which serves kids from Belleair, Largo and Seminole, suffered a huge financial setback last December when a $114,000 deficit was discovered. • The money was due from Count Me In, an online registration firm based in Bellevue, Wash. The business had stopped making payments to Gulf Coast and other sports clubs around the country.

"When we realized what had happened, we saw it as a 'fight or flight' situation,'' said Dan Tumarkin, president of Gulf Coast United's board of directors.

The group, which has joined a class-action lawsuit against Count Me In, began holding fundraisers and town hall-style meetings in an effort to find resolutions. Parents provided support, whether financial or by volunteering their time.

"We were able to raise $96,000 to complete the 2008-09 season and start the new season,'' Tumarkin said. "Through fundraisers, grants and lots of community support, we made it. This group shows real strength of character.''

Gulf Coast United is now using another online registration company. "We're using a company that is used by the majority of soccer clubs in the state,'' said Tumarkin. "We have also taken more safeguards to ensure security, and families can also continue to pay in person.'' At 8:45 a.m. Saturday, Seminole Junior Warhawks Complex was filled with girls in brightly colored jerseys slicking back their ponytails. Boys in blue and white dribbled toward the south end field, stretched and jogged a few laps.

Any talk of money woes had given way to chatter on how the kids have grown since last season and how to keep penalty flags, as well as those dreaded yellow cards, at bay.

Over on the west side, Reenie Patterson pulled her folding chair out of the trunk of her Toyota Camry and headed to granddaughter Tara Bryan's game. "I'll be here all morning. I've got my grandson's game at 10 a.m.,'' she said.

And why do families go to such trouble, all in the name of soccer?

"I've got five daughters, from college age down to six months,'' Tumarkin said. "Two are playing at Gulf Coast, and it's just a great sport. In my case, the girls are learning life lessons through this great sport.''

Reach Piper Castillo at pcastillo@sptimes.com or (727) 445-4163.