To Forge FC fans,

The stage is finally set. It seems like just yesterday I was reassuring a number of you that more signings were coming. The regular season has come and gone just like that, and what a year it has been.

As we take the stage in the first leg of the Canadian Premier League Finals this weekend, I just want to say: Thank you.

You played a crucial part in our ability as a community to bring professional soccer to the great city of Hamilton. When the rumours of our pipe dream began to make their way across the city and the country, you jumped at the opportunity to come out and you carried the dream over the line.

From the day of the official unveiling at Tim Hortons Field, when Bob Young officially announced that this plan was becoming a reality, to that beautiful windy Saturday in April, when 17,000 of us stepped into that stadium to stamp our mark on history, you have been there. We took that step together and we haven’t looked back.

Through the ups and downs of the season, your support has never wavered. Rain or shine, you’ve consistently shown up in numbers and made sure your presence was felt. While this relationship is still young, there is no doubt that we are at the beginning of something truly special.

A mere eight months ago, you welcomed a group of guys from all over the world into your city and, together, we set down this path with one common goal: to win a championship for The Hammer. For all of that and so much more, on behalf of the entire team, thank you!

This Saturday, we take the final turn towards the finish line. Eleven of us will walk out of that tunnel united as 23, knowing that the moment we step over the white line, we’ll have you there, backing us, pushing us for every tackle, shot, pass, or run. So, one last time at home this season, come out, show your support, get that barn rocking, and let’s continue to write history together.

Your captain,

Kyle Bekker