The National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) is proud to announce that Amanda Jaczkowski of the Northern Guard Supporters (NGS) has been selected as the 2017 Global Scarves Supporter of the Year. Online voting by supporters took place from July 28th-30th.
After nominations closed, Jaczkowski was in a serious accident, resulting in her watching DCFC win the Midwest Region Championship from the ICU. She remains in good spirits and is excited to return to her capo stand for the 2018 season.
“Thanks to everyone who voted for me,” Jaczkowski commented. “I’ve learned this week more than ever what a family we are. Through the thick and thin and all the banter, at the end of the day all that matters is this beautiful game.”
Jaczkowski works tirelessly in the community, both at her day job at United Way of SE Michigan as a Child Nutrition Navigator and in a wide array of volunteer positions, including a board position for DREAM of Detroit. She loves working with new refugees, advocating for food access, and, of course, playing soccer.
“Over the years, Amanda has supported Detroit City FC unconditionally and steadfastly,” Detroit City FC Co-Owner Alex Wright added. “She plays a vital role in growing our club culture, always willing to lend her voice in support of Le Rouge; we are proud to join the chorus that is now united in support of her and her recovery. She is truly deserving of the title Supporter of the Year.”
A long-time soccer player, Jaczkowski played as defender in high school for Summit Sports, a home school high school team.
She has been a season ticket since DCFC’s first season and has enjoyed contributing to the City community in many ways, including joining the capo team. She loves to Rouge Rover and attended all of the regular season games in 2017, including Milwaukee and Indiana. A Detroit-area native, Jaczkowski values the community-centered atmosphere that City owners have created.
“We want to thank everyone who voted for Amanda,” the leaders of NGS stated. “She has an extremely long road of recovery ahead of her and we know that this award means a lot to her. Every little bit of support will help her on that road to recovery. The extended soccer supporter family across the country never ceases to amaze us.”
Jaczkowski is honored to be selected for this award, but reminds everyone that match day is a team-driven endeavor. Northern Guard would not be the same without every single one of the 6,000 supporters that attend home matches and the countless volunteers that work to make NGS a club and community-centered organization.
“Supporters are one of, if not the most important element to the world’s sport,” Global Scarves Co-Owner Bill Kristian concluded. “They truly make the game unforgettable, and the contribution of Amanda and the Northern Guard to the City of Detroit is what makes supporters so great. Our motto ‘The True Icon of Support’ calls on our scarves as being an important tool for all supporters, and as winner of the Supporter of the Year, Amanda has won a free order of 50 custom scarves for the Northern Guard to use as they see fit.”
