Written By Chris Dailey

October 19th 2024

I remember it like it was yesterday.

I was in sixth grade English class looking at my school's website. Immediately, a congratulation article popped up for a high schooler from my town who was a finalist for the official artwork of FC Monmouth’s youth club, which was eventually named the Raptors.

Instantly, I was drawn to FC Monmouth.

My whole life, I loved soccer. I played every single day by myself in my yard. I watched the Premier League on weekends. I’m not even from a “soccer family” so it’s safe to say I had a natural obsession for the game.

One thing that always fascinated me was non-league soccer in other countries, specifically England. The culture over there is unrivaled. With passionate fans and authentic clubs, I always found, even in my young age, there was something beautiful about lower league soccer. So, when I found out my county had a team, I couldn’t wait to go to a game.

That plan got put on hold as my gallbladder suddenly stopped working and I found myself in immense pain. After two months of questions, the prognosis was eventually clear and it required surgery.

When weeks of laying in bed and working on walking without my cane had passed, I was asked by my Mom what I wanted to do. Without hesitation, there was one thing and one thing only, attend an FC Monmouth game.

After attending and seeing several hundred others beside me, I was hooked. I became the Blue and Golds superfan and even opened up a fanpage instagram account.

All of this transpired in 2018. Fast forward to 2022, and I’m in 10th grade.

At that point, I had attended just about every FC Monmouth home match and was consistent in my fandom over this team. Additionally, I began to grow interested in media. I started a media company where I interviewed professional sports atheltes and it was going quite well. I wanted to get into play by play announcing, so I emailed FC Monmouth to see if there was anything I could do to help.

Sure enough, Matt DeLuca, the previous announcer for the club, had just graduated from Monnouth University and set to enter the professional world. There was an opening and I came at the perfect time.

Without really any formal interview, the club was brought in. They saw the chance to give a local kid this opportunity and did just that.

Now, a fast-forward to 3 sesaons later, I’m approaching my fourth season as play-by-play announcer and journalist for FC Monmouth.

In these three years, I’ve grown as a broadcaster. Not only has my voice changed, but I’ve learned skills on how to announce, how to churn out a post-game article, and much more. All of these skills have set me up well for college as I’m currently a freshman at Holy Cross College of Notre Dame, Indiana.

It’s been a dream to work for the club I love so much, and I’ve learned one thing along the way.

There is a beauty to be found in the lower leagues. When people, typically my friends, ask me why do I even care so much about a little team in Red Bank, I always respond with a similar answer…

There are not many sporting events nowadays where you can get in for less than $10, enjoy cheap - but good - food, and get post-game autographs after the game for the kiddos.

There are not many sporting events nowadays where the people who are in charge are setting up the banners, flags, and fields before the game.

There are not many sporting events where the Head Coach will come and thank everybody for coming.

At FC Monmouth, that is simply a regular night.

They say there is no place like home and for me, FC Monmouth is home.

It may not have the thousands of fans piling in on a Saturday night like I dream about, but everyone who goes to an FC Monmouth game cares. Everybody who is behind the scenes, cares.

You’re not getting many egos at this level. All of the people are there for the right reasons, and that’s exactly why I love FC Monmouth.

Even with all of the drama surrounding lower league soccer at times, there is an overwhelming sense of passion that can be found. It’s this passion that drives us to loving the game in the first place. It’s also this passion that can take the concept of lower-league soccer in the United States to new levels.

I’m forever grateful for the opportunities FC Monmouth have given me and can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2025.

In the meantime, check out the FC Monmouth Podcast’s latest episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_wW2k-wkcg

Catch Chris on his first ever collegiate call tonight at 7PM on ESPN+ for Notre Dame Men’s Soccer!

And follow us on social media @wearemonmouth to stay up to date with all of the latest news surrounding the club.

As always, vamos Monmouth.

The Beauty In The Lower Leagues: Why FC Monmouth