Chris Raymond

Kilgore Soccer Association President Chris Raymond has played and coached soccer for more than 20 years.
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"Any organized sport takes a great deal of leadership," Raymond said as he leaned in his chair at his Martin Gas office where pictures of his daughter, who also is enrolled in the soccer association, filled the room."You learn to do things that you never thought you knew how to do."

Registering 600 children, and creating 52 teams for the start of the spring season, Raymond said he's ready for Kilgore soccer start.

But it could be the organization's finances that cast a shadow over the groups double-digit growth and more community soccer interest.

Unlucky 2007

Raymond said the start of the 2007 season was full of financial losses.Skyrocketing energy prices and unexpected expenditures have placed the organization's budget $7,000 in the red.

Ordinary expenses also have been a problem.

Since 2006, electric, water and maintenance bills have increased by $5,000.The extra costs have depleted the organization's emergency reserve funds.

In 2007, the association grossed $64,475 from registration fees, sponsors and United Way; however, the group incurred $71,677 worth of expenses, much of which came from grounds keeping, electricity and uniforms.

The soccer association has $1,100 in the bank.

Soccer association players have been playing on seven fields that are privately owned by the Kilgore Softball Complex on the northwestern side of the city, off Texas 135.Raymond said the complex has limited space for the growing association, often causing the group to miss out on holding large soccer tournaments.

More money could be generated by hosting tournaments, he said, which would help fill the group's coffers.

Hoping to receive some assistance, Raymond appealed for help from the Kilgore City Council twice in February.

Raymond isn't holding his breath waiting for the financial aid.

"In my opinion, the city should not help because if we help one, we must help them all," said Councilman Randy Renshaw at a February meeting."I'd love for the city to help you and the soccer program, baseball program and softball program, too."

Council members said they would try to find ways to assist the association and plan to discuss the situation today at their meeting.

Raymond said he was disappointed with the response and said without help from the city the soccer complex's facilities will not be up to par for games.

"The city of Kilgore has no soccer program without us," he said.
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, Source: Chris Raymond, Kilgore Soccer Association president

Chris Raymond, the president of the Kilgore Soccer Association, and his wife, Brenda, attended the tournament to support both his own daughter and other teams from Kilgore.
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Raymond said they would likely stay for the tournament finals on Sunday, even if her team does not make the finals.

Chris Raymond

903-983-3053

michelle.raymond@tripointglobal.c
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