Kings Hammer Soccer Club Partners with Bay United Soccer Club

Panama City, FL (May 15th, 2023) – Kings Hammer Soccer Club, one of the largest youth soccer programs in the Midwest, announced today that it is partnering with Bay United Soccer Club to create a new entity, Kings Hammer Bay United. The new club will offer appropriate programs to service the Bay County and greater Panama City areas. Being able to offer these new programs will allow Kings Hammer Bay United to create a true development pathway which provides all current and future players with age-appropriate soccer learning opportunities.

Kings Hammer Soccer Club and Bay United have a rich history in developing both players and teams who have competed at a state, regional and national level.

Over the last decade, Kings Hammer Soccer Club, which was founded in the Greater Cincinnati area, has become one of the most recognizable youth soccer clubs in the Midwest Region of the United States. Fostering the growth and development of its players, coaches, and staff members, which has always been of paramount importance as the club has evolved. Kings Hammer Soccer Club operates and manages each program to better serve the players and parents. Player centered approach, partnered with great customer service to parents, has allowed Kings Hammer Soccer Club to create an environment that promotes development, transparency, and the pursuit of excellence.

Bay United was founded 32 years ago in Bay County, Florida and was devoted to promoting the game of soccer by serving the residents of Panama City and surrounding cities in the panhandle. Bay United was originally founded by Juan and Tessie Goicoechea who have established strong soccer foundations for all residents in the Bay County community. “After 32 years of success since its founding, Bay United Soccer Club is proud to partner with Kings Hammer. This partnership will expand and enhance the opportunities for development and advancement of soccer for the kids in the panhandle. As founding members of the club, we look forward to the growth that is to follow,” stated Juan and Tessie Goicoechea.

Tryouts for the Kings Hammer Bay United are on May 16th and 18th with the season kicking off in August 2022.

Kings Hammer Bay United Leadership will manage each program within the club while elevating its current programs to better serve the players and parents. Leading these initiatives are some of the best in the soccer community. Jonathan Rhodes will be the Technical Director and Marek Betkowski will be the Director of Coaching for Kings Hammer Bay United. Both will work together to manage and lead the coaches and staff with support from the Kings Hammer Technical and Operational Divisions.

Kings Hammer Bay United family benefits include, Kings Hammer sponsored and managed local tournaments for KH Bay United teams to attend, a new user friendly communication app for all directors, coaches and parents that features practice schedules, field assignments, and player evaluations that will follow each player along their soccer journey, new Nike sponsored uniforms that still includes the history of the Bay United Crest, amazing educational opportunities for coaches, and finally an endless amount of support for KH Bay United families.

“We have been working on this partnership since the start of the year. We are pleased to announce the start of Kings Hammer Bay United, which will be a great partnership as we officially start operations this fall. I would like to thank Kara Davis and the entire Bay United Board for believing in the vision and providing the commitment to evolve their soccer programs and events. I would also like to thank all the leadership associated with the local CVB for their full support. Kings Hammer Bay United will be a fantastic option for all youth soccer players in the pan handle area of Florida. We also look forward to bringing high level tournaments to the area that will broadly impact the community,” Kevin McCloskey, President Kings Hammer.

“For the past 32 years, Bay United has been synonymous with youth soccer in the panhandle. Today, we can’t be prouder to partner with an organization of the caliber of Kings Hammer. With our shared core values and culture, Kings Hammer Bay United will build upon the tradition and excellence of Bay United to raise all facets of the game in our area,” Kara Davis, President Bay United Soccer Club.

“After 24 years with Bay United Soccer Club, I am excited about the opportunity to enter a partnership with Kings Hammer, bringing a new level of experience and excellence to our soccer club and soccer community. They will help grow our excellent traditions and create structure and avenues for growth in the region for players of all levels from grassroots to collegiate standards. The future is bright for Kings Hammer Bay United and all of soccer in the panhandle,” Jon Rhodes, Technical Director Bay United Soccer Club.

“Visit Panama City Beach congratulates Bay United Soccer Club on their new partnership with Kings Hammer. This collaboration reinforces our vision of making Bay County a premier destination for soccer development and competition,” Chris O’Brien, Director of Sports & Special Events.

Stay tuned for more exciting news from Kings Hammer Bay United!

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About Kings Hammer

Kings Hammer Soccer Club, which was founded in the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area, has become one of the most recognizable youth soccer clubs in multiple regions across the United States.

The club provides appropriate training for soccer at every level. Players, coaches, staff, parents contribute directly to the positive environment at Kings Hammer Soccer Club. From developing collegiate, professional, and national team level athletes to providing all players the opportunity to love the game, the development structure services all skill levels.

For more information, visit KingsHammer.com.