FC Balboa First Team Embarks on The US Open Cup Qualifier Round, Honoring the Legacy of Jean Kuczka

San Diego, California, October 24, 2024

​FC Balboa's Men’s First Team will compete in The US Open Cup Qualifier Second Round this weekend, facing Chula Vista FC at Logan Memorial Educational Campus on Sunday, October 27th, at 6:30 PM. This significant milestone represents more than just a competition; it embodies the club's commitment to helping young players reach their full potential. This vision aligns with the life and work of Jean Kuczka, a dedicated educator. ​

Her belief in respect is powerfully expressed in her quote, "Before you are anything else, you are a human. And every human deserves respect," guides the team. Learn more about Jean's life and her Citizens Honor Single Act of Heroism Award from the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. The Jean Kuczka Foundation continues her mission and dedication to serving others.

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Today marks the second anniversary of Jean's passing, a loss that continues to inspire her son, Steve Kuczka, assistant coach, player, and team manager for FC Balboa. Steve, a more than ten-year resident of the North Park and Balboa Park communities, has channeled his grief into a powerful tribute to his mother’s life and values. His mother, born in 1961, frequently visited him and his family in North Park, sharing countless moments and memories in this vibrant community. Now, Steve strives to create a similar impact within the FC Balboa community. To honor Jean's legacy and in a poignant display of her unwavering belief in the importance of respect, the team will wear a special patch designed by Steve's lifelong friend, Steven Rankin. The patch (see image below) features the numbers "61" (representing her years), prominently displayed with the powerful message, "EVERYONE DESERVES RESPECT." This number also commemorates her birth year, 1961.

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The eulogy Steve delivered at his mother’s funeral, a testament to her extraordinary life, captures the essence of Jean’s spirit: “Jean was the most selfless person we’ve ever known…always there for anyone who needed her.” Born in 1961 in St. Louis, Missouri, Jean was an incredibly stoic and hardworking individual, a national champion collegiate field hockey goalie who understood the power of teamwork and dedication, a testament to which her team was later inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. She went on to build an exceptional career as an educator. She dedicated 38 years to educating future generations, instilling in them a love of learning and a profound sense of respect, perfectly embodying her belief that "I believe that every child is a unique human being and deserves a chance to learn.” Jean’s dedication extended beyond the classroom, as she passionately supported the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, driven by her son Joe's diagnosis with Type 1 diabetes. She poured her boundless energy into annual fundraising events, leaving an indelible mark on countless lives.
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Head Coach Duda Coelho shares Steve's commitment to fostering a team culture rooted in sportsmanship, respect, and community engagement. The First Team currently boasts six players under 18, a powerful testament to FC Balboa's dedication to developing young talent and providing a clear path from youth leagues to the competitive world of adult football. These young footballers will proudly wear the commemorative patch throughout the tournament. The First Team serves not only as role models but also as display models for the club, demonstrating high standards of behavior and conduct to inspire coaches, parents, and fellow footballers alike. The First Team's intentions are as follows:

First Team Intentions:

1. Role Modeling: Serve as a display model for the club, demonstrating high standards of behavior, respect, and conduct to inspire coaches, parents, and footballers.
2. Football Education: Prioritize footballer education, expanding over time to include parents and coaches, recognizing their significant impact on a footballer's long-term development and fostering a culture of respect.
3. Access to Football: Create a pathway based on commitment and level, making football accessible to all footballers while aiming for self-sustainability and community support, promoting a respectful environment​

"FC Balboa is more than just a football club; it's a community," says Steve Kuczka. "We're building a culture of excellence and acceptance, providing a safe environment where players can thrive. The US Open Cup represents a huge step for these young footballers, and it's the culmination of their hard work and a testament to my mother’s belief in the power of community and the potential within each individual." The club is diligently working towards a long-term sustainable, no-pay-to-play model for the First Team and is actively seeking community support through both donations and sponsorships to make this vision a reality. The First Team's fundraising intentions are as follows:

First Team Fundraising Intentions:

1. Community Support: Engage sponsors and donors to support the club's initiatives, promoting community involvement and investment in youth football and emphasizing the values of respect and inclusivity.
2. Sustainable Growth: Secure funds to ensure the club's long-term viability and expansion, enabling continued development and access to resources for footballers while fostering a culture of respect within the club.
3. Impactful Partnerships: Forge partnerships with sponsors and donors aligned with the club's values, maximizing support and mutual benefit for all stakeholders, with a focus on promoting respect and conduct on the pitch.

You can contribute to this vital initiative by Donating to the First Team; please specify "First Team" in the donation notes. For sponsorship opportunities or to contact the First Team directly, please email [email protected].

Join FC Balboa in celebrating this milestone and supporting the team this Sunday, October 27th, at 6:30 PM as they compete against Chula Vista FC in the US Open Cup Qualifier Second Round at Logan Memorial Educational Campus. Learn more and support the Jean Kuczka Foundation's mission at https://www2.breakthrought1d.org/site/TR?fr_id=9628&pg=personal&px=13742507