On Sunday April 26th, 2009 the Ocean City Barons held their annual pre-season kick-off event at the Flanders Hotel on 8th Street in Ocean City. Each year the event is a way of thanking our sponsors and volunteers who devote their time and money to make the Ocean City Barons one of the most successful organizations in the Premier Development League.

On Sunday April 26th, 2009 the Ocean City Barons held their annual Pre-Season Kick of event at The Flanders Hotel on 8th Street in Ocean City. Each year the event is a way of thanking our sponsors and volunteers who devote their time and money to make the Ocean City Barons one of the most successful organizations in the Premier Development League.

The event kicked of with an introduction by ’El Presidente’ John Granese, followed by a rousing speech by General Manager Neil Holloway who thanked the many people associated with the Barons who work behind the scenes and again reminded everyone in attendance the importance of the club to the community, to the young players in our Academy, to the players on the roster and to the staff. The guest of honor for the event was the Director of PDL Operations Lee Cohen, who had flown in from Tampa for the weekend. Lee praised the professionalism of the Ocean City Barons Organization and thanked Neil for his support with the running of the league. He also congratulated the club on being awarded the 2008 Organization of the Year Award and for the staff's dedication to the game and the United Soccer Leagues.

 

 

The guests then enjoyed a fantastic buffet layed out by the Flanders Hotel while listening to the latest addition to the Barons Game Day program, the 123 Draw Band who are a group of freshman musicians from the Ocean City High School.

Following the band, Ocean City Barons fan and Mayor Sal Perillo spoke to convey how delighted the City is to have the Barons Organization involved in the Ocean City Community. Following on from the Major, was John Emge, Executive Director of the United Way of Atlantic County who described to the guests the Goal Club Fundraising initiative where every goal scored by the Barons gets a $20 donation from the sponsors business to a United Way supported charity.

 

 

The evening was rounded off with a drawing for the raffle prices, we would like to thank everyone who attended this years Pre-Season Kick off Banquet and thank you for your support.