Adopt An Otter FAQ
The Adopt an Otter program is in high demand again this year and with players arriving at the beginning of May, they are going fast. Several important questions have been asked about the program and how it works and we have answered them below!
What is the Adopt an Otter Program?
Our players come to Johnson City directly from college, so they don’t necessarily have time to see their families. More than that, a lot of them are from other countries. This program allows the team to connect with the community by providing our players with specific people to form relationships with. While you are in the stands, you are cheering for a specific player, and while they are playing, they know they have fans specifically cheering for them.
Families can make a lasting connection with a player throughout the summer. Small care packages for the player allows them to feel a strong connection in the community while they are here. Our players resoundingly loved the relationships and support they gained last year, so we hope this year we can make it even better!
What is the cost to join the program and what do I receive?
The cost of the program is $200 and it will go towards getting your player settled when they arrive in Johnson City for the summer, but in return you receive a player assigned directly to you! You also receive one camp registration for our annual youth camp that will be help June 21–24, 2021. In addition, you will get a fact sheet about your player, a t-shirt with their name and number on the back, and when that player starts a child can walk out with their player during lineup announcements.
Is this a home stay?
No! Home-stays present many challenges for both families and the players so that is why we choose not to do them. Families are encouraged to have their player over for dinner or game night, but the players will be housed in apartments in Johnson City.
Do I get any say in the type of player that I am assigned?
Yes! When you have decided that you would like to adopt an Otter for the summer we will send you a packet with information on the program as well as questions about the type of player (position, country, etc.) that you would be interested in adopting for the summer. It is important to us that you and your Otter are a fit for each other and are able to grow a relationship over the summer!
What kinds of things should I bring my player?
There is no “right” way to adopt an Otter. Families approach this in many ways. The fact sheet will feature some of the player’s favorite food and drinks, so many choose to bring their Otter goodie bags after home games. However, there are so many directions you can go! Last season families took their Otter out for dinner or ice cream, had them over for game night or a cookout, and many other activities. They and us are grateful that you and your family have chosen to participate in this program!
Can my family all get t-shirts with the player’s name and number? What about jerseys?
Absolutely! Extra shirts can be purchased for $20 per shirt so that the whole family can have a shirt supporting their Otter. Jerseys will be available throughout the season and can be customized to any name and number.
Interested in signing up or have more questions? Head of the program, Janet Strickland, can be contacted at ottersoccer@gmail.com for more information or to send out your adoption packet. More information can also be found on ottersoccer.com under Community. Players will be here before you know it so make sure you secure your Otter before they are all adopted!
The season begins soon and season tickets are now on sale and can be purchased here or on the HappsNow app! Make sure you follow @ottersoccer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay up to date on all announcements and information regarding the 2021 season!
