Dothan, AL – The stage is set, the excitement is building, and the countdown is on for Dothan United’s highly anticipated home debut this Saturday at Rip Hewes Stadium. As a new addition to our community, Dothan United is ready to make its mark on the soccer world and deliver a night of unforgettable entertainment.
New Era for Sports in Dothan
The Dothan United organization wants our community and fans to realize what kind of impact they can have on the game and franchise, and truly enhance our community.
“Fans don’t realize what’s in store for them Saturday night. The sports landscape is never going to be the same in Dothan.”
Steve Donner, Team President and Co-owner
Building a Diverse, Talented Team Family
The team has just wrapped up a rigorous three-week training camp, including an exhibition match and ending with the first regular season away game, blending players from diverse backgrounds. From Dubai, to Colombia, to the Bayou, Head Coach Carl Reynolds insists that the team is “an eclectic mix of talent, each player bringing something unique.” Reynolds continued by saying that the brilliance in bringing this team together has been “managing each unique, individual situation, and the proof is in the pudding.” The team and coaching staff felt they strongly outplayed one of the best teams in the country regarding their first away game, which set a strong start to the regular season.
Reynolds is not just focused on what happens on the pitch, team bonding and community engagement have been a cornerstone of his strategy. With activities like paintball, trips to Adventureland, and dinners sponsored by the local businesses, Reynold’s goal is to create a family to add to our larger one here in Dothan.
“The bits done outside of soccer are the most important…those are the moments that really build this team.”
Carl Reynolds, Head Coach
Embracing the Community
In building the team, players from all around the world have embraced Dothan as home. Dothan’s head coach, Carl Reynolds, an English native, has constantly expressed how much he loves the people down here in the Peanut Capital. “The people here are just amazing,” he says, referring to the warm-hearted embrace of our local businesses and employees, and fans, of course, and their willingness to always offer a helping and supportive hand.
With the Dothan United Club’s efforts to integrate the team and organization into the community, our community has done the same back. With our community’s youth, local businesses, and people of all interests and backgrounds coming together to be a part of this fanbase and helping to provide our first home performance.
Tactical Preparations for the Debut Match
On the technical front, Coach Reynolds plans to build the team from the back forward, focusing on being defensively organized and solid, which will allow for more possession and control of the game. “We are going to be difficult to play against,” he stated about their upcoming match against Tennessee.
An Evening of Spectacular Entertainment
Saturday’s match promises to be more than just a pro-level soccer; its set to be a remarkable night of fun and entertainment. “There will be fire and smoke,” team owner Steve Donner reveals, “Its going to be a major league presentation with major pageantry. If you don’t want to come out to see a soccer match, then come out to see a great firework show and presentation.”
Creating a Fortress at Rip Hewes
The club is pulling out all the stops to create a fortress on the pitch and in the stands. Tailgating, live music, and giveaways, including thundersticks for the first 5000 fans and magnet schedules for the first 3000, will ensure a thrilling atmosphere. “Dothan is special,” Coach Reynolds said. “The fans are going to be shocked and impressed by the level of dedication and excitement.”
Thunder-sticks for the first 5000 fans, magnet schedules for the first 3000
A Community United in Soccer
As the players prepare to work towards their dreams and refine their craft through Dothan United Soccer, the mutual goal of the organization remains clear: to integrate the team into our community and make Dothan United a symbol of pride and commitment. “Teams all in, staff is all in, ownership is all in, and we want the fans to be all in,” Donner declared in an interview to prepare for the upcoming game.
Join Us for a Historic Night
Join us at Rip Hewes Stadium this Saturday for a major league night of entertainment and the beginning of something special. Be a part of history as Dothan United kicks off their inaugural home game and shows the world what this community is capable of. The future of sports in Dothan starts now!
Article by Liana Shapiro, PR
Image Credit: Evergreen Creative Co