With spring upon us, it is time for our special installment of We are Lakeshore, with an important announcement regarding Tony Klockow!

After 21 incredible years of service, including the last 12 as President, Tony has decided to start slowly transitioning some of his responsibilities with Lakeshore United FC as he eyes a future to explore some of his other passions. Effective this spring, Tony is stepping down as President of Lakeshore United FC. Tony will be serving in the new role of “Past President” and will remain on the Executive Committee throughout the next 1-2 years.

Tony started his soccer journey in the Sheboygan community over 21 years ago. He has held numerous roles throughout his history with the club, including serving as President since 2009.

When Tony started his tenure, the Sheboygan soccer community had 828 youth playing across the Sheboygan Area Youth Soccer Organization (SAYSO) Recreation Program and the Sheboygan County United SC Select Program. With a vision of what could be, in 2013 Tony helped lead efforts to create a unified soccer organization, Lakeshore United FC, with a dedicated mission: to provide youth of all abilities the opportunities to grow and mature in the sport and life.

To say LUFC has flourished since then would be an understatement. Today we are over 2,700 players strong across a large number of programs established throughout Tony’s time as president, including the Indoor Futsal Program at KCU Fit for all ages, the Academy Program for dedicated and aspiring 8-10 year olds, Juniors for 4K & 5K, TOPSoccer for athletes with special needs, Summer League for Grades 1-12, and the expansion of the Community Soccer League throughout Sheboygan, Manitowoc, and Ozaukee Counties.

Beyond our standard programming, Tony also introduced our structure for summer camps – highlighted by STARS and Elite Camp, as well as laying the groundwork for Lakeshore United’s future with the groundbreaking of the Butzen Soccer Complex in 2020.

Tony first got involved with soccer like many parents do, by coaching his kids. “I started coaching my son back in 2000, and I’ve been doing it and involved with soccer ever since – even after my oldest, Abby, ended her club career in 2010.” Tony continues, “I love coaching so much, it’s kept me involved longer than I ever anticipated.”

“The club is in a really good spot right now, and we have the right leaders, staff, and volunteers committed to the club and community to keep us moving forward,” explained Tony. “The time is right, and there are some other things I just want to get back into, such as woodworking, going on motorcycle rides with my son, and traveling with Dawn.”

As Tony transitions into his new role, the LUFC Board of Directors has elected Chris Lacey as the new President of Lakeshore United FC. Chris has served as the Director of Operations since 2013.

Tony would be embarrassed to be credited for the success we have experienced over the last 12 years, because he is the ultimate team player. “We are who we are because of a team – it’s never been about one individual.”

And embarrassed or not, we want to thank Tony for all he’s done. We couldn’t be who we are without his leadership. And who are we?

We are Lakeshore.