According to a report by the Lebanon Daily News, a case of embezzlement discovered in the books of the Ebenezer-Union Canal Soccer Club may be one in a string of fraudulent activity carried out by an as-of-yet unnamed volunteer.
The story began unraveling a few weeks ago when Bret Orwig, vice president of EUC Soccer, posted to Facebook that the club’s bank account was discovered to contain far less than expected.
While the financial damage to the club remains, the volunteers of the Ebenezer-Union Canal club have rallied to make sure the season remains a fun, safe, and beneficial experience for the kids who participate. EUC is one of many active clubs in the county, with a number of alums who went on to play collegiate soccer across the country.
Although the risk has been contained, the investigation continues. As the Daily News reported, according to former EUC president Sam Shillabeer, North Lebanon Township police are investigating not just the $24,000+ missing from their coffers, but also unspecified sums from other local sports entities.
“This is bigger than Ebenezer Union Canal and involves other sports-related teams, but not EUC’s rec facility or other teams in the same league,” Shillabeer said to the Daily News.
“The investigation involves more than one township (police department). Other township (police departments) are dealing with other investigations.”
Soccer clubs like EUC need cash to handle fees like:
- League registration fees
- EPYSA registration fees
- GotSoccer fees
- Field use fees
- Referee fees
- Field maintenance equipment & supplies
- Trophies/team parties
- Background checks
No specific fundraising effort is underway, but donations may always be made to the nonprofit organization by sending a check with memo ‘Donation’ to EUC Soccer Club, 1100 Jackson Blvd Apt B101, Lebanon, PA 17042.
The Ebenezer-Union Canal Soccer Club was formerly known as the Great Valley Futbol Club. The majority of players attend the elementary schools Ebenzer and Union Canal, but this is not a requirement. Although fall registration is now closed, spring registration will open in December.
Games begin September 9 and run for 8 weeks.
As updates of the investigation become available, we’ll post again with another update.