Socios Wisła - summary of 2023

The past year was a particularly intense time for the Socios Wisła Association. Before we examine what has happened in the last 12 months, let's take a look at the numbers:

As of the end of 2023, Socios Wisła has 2,622 Socios. Over the last 12 months, 845 people joined, and 559 lost or resigned, which translates to an increase of approximately 12%. The following amount was deposited directly into the accounts of the TS Wisła Association and TS Wisła SA: PLN 1,027,780.00 (a PLN 1,000,000 donation for the TS Association's pitch agreed upon with the TS Wisła SA management board), bringing the total funds transferred to the Wisła community by Socios to PLN 6,304,654.59.

The amount of PLN 20,722.40 was allocated for the implementation of other actions (purchase of the painting and Wiślackie Mikołajki).

The Association received PLN 131,290.20 in licensing fees for stadium beer sales, fully settling the investment in beer bottling equipment at the stadium. A similar amount was also transferred to the club. PLN 10,280.00 was transferred to the construction of the Henryk Reyman monument in 2023, bringing the total to PLN 73,796.00.

Looks impressive! Now let's move on to a month-by-month summary.

January

We began the new year by achieving the Association's goal of organizing a training camp for the first team, #SociosCamp. PLN 450,000.00 was allocated for this purpose. During the camp, we prepared various competitions and activities for Socios members – as well as those planning to join our ranks – (including a day in the office with Wisła's president). This allowed the newly minted Socios and the competition winners to see the day-to-day running of the club, how different departments operate, and what the hidden corners of the stadium at R22 hide. The Socios collection received unique memorabilia related to Wisła's history. The first of these was the original program for the 25th anniversary of the Sports Association. The brochure from 1931 is in perfect condition and is an invaluable testament to the White Star's rich history! Another memento acquired was a portrait of Antoni Łyka, painted in 1934 by Wlastimil Hofman. The purchase of this unique painting would not have been possible without the members of Socios. Through an internal fundraising campaign, we managed to raise funds for this purpose. Together, we once again demonstrated the importance of remembering the history of Wisła Kraków!

February

The beginning of the month marked a historic moment for the Socios Association. The 2,500-member mark was reached! Just before the start of the spring season, a "Day with Socios" took place at the stadium at R22. The event included a meeting with Kiko Ramírez, a history lesson with the authors of the book "Wiślacy już przyszli" (Wislacy Already Come), and a stadium tour. During the match against Odra Opole, Socios served as Match Sponsor. The White Star players were escorted onto the pitch by a special escort, made up of the Association's youngest members.

At the end of February, during the Wisła Biznes Gala, we presented the Association with two extraordinary awards - the first statuette went to Socios for its role as the Club Sponsor, the second for the "Exceptional Project", which is the #OfficialFanshop of Wisła Kraków, the construction of which was co-financed.

March

In March, we celebrated the 3rd anniversary of Wiślackie beer. A few months later, the beer was released in the official club store and is now available for purchase.

April

Earlier this month, Socios, together with the Wisła History Association, organized another edition of the "Walk with History" event. Participants learned the answers to questions such as: the origins of Wisła, where the first matches were played, and where the White Star's first stadium was located. The Association decided to provide financial support (a scholarship) to 27-year-old "White Star" boxer Jarosław Iwanow, who was preparing for the European Games in Krakow and dreaming of competing in the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris. A few weeks later, Jarosław Iwanow decided to join Socios. Jacek Dukaj, a renowned writer, also became a member of the Association at that time.

May

Just like last year, Socios Wisła became a Partner of the Wanda Tumidajewicz and Józef Moszczak Memorial. The tournament, organized by the TS Wisła Volleyball Section, commemorates distinguished coaches of the Sports Society, who mentored generations of outstanding volleyball players. The aim of the event is not only to popularize volleyball among young people, but also to promote our club and city. In cooperation with the Wisła History Association, an exhibition entitled "Proud of Wisła History" was organized. The highlight of the event was the symbolic unveiling of a restored painting depicting Antoni Łyka, a pre-war White Star player, painted by Wlastimil Hofman.

In addition to the painting, there were many fascinating exhibits from the collections of Socios, the Wisła History Association, the club, and Krzysztof Gaweł – a passionate supporter of Wisła history. It was a perfect opportunity to celebrate Wisła's history, share our passion for football, and admire memorabilia that remind us of the successes, heroes, and moments that made us proud of who we are.

June

At the beginning of the month, after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, one of Europe's best U11 tournaments returned – the MURAPOL CUP International Football Tournament. Socios became a partner of the event. The 11th edition of the tournament, organized by Wisła Kraków and AP21, was dedicated to the memory of legendary Wisła player Adam Musiał. The 6th General Assembly of Socios Wisła Kraków was held in June.

Socios extended its support to the "Young Army of the White Star" sector, which bore fruit in the following weeks – numerous new groups of young fans began visiting R22. At the end of June, the third edition of the Business Club Trophy tournament took place, featuring Socios representatives who normally play at FLS. The tournament provided a good opportunity for the White Star business community to integrate. Representatives of the Club's sponsors and partners competed on the pitch. The Socios team finished in 5th place.

July

Just before the start of the new season, three players from the White Star's first team joined Socios Wisła – Szymon Sobczak, Goku, and Angel Rodado. In July, we initialed a cooperation agreement between the Association and Wisła Kraków for the 2023/2024 season. For the past four seasons, the Socios logo has been displayed on the front of the jersey, adjacent to the Strategic Sponsor. Starting in the new season, the logo has moved to the sleeves of Wisła's jerseys.

August

At the beginning of the season, a tripartite agreement was signed between Wisła Kraków, the Socios Wisła Association – owners of the Wiślackie brand – and the beer producer, Browar ReCraft. The agreement outlines the terms of the project's continuation and collaboration for the next three years.

August 5th is a date that has become a permanent fixture in the Wisła calendar. A packed stadium, over 31,000 Wisła players and players attended the farewell to Kuba Błaszczykowski, who ended his distinguished football career. At the initiative of Socios and the Wisła History Association, the grave of the late Stanisław Kowalski – a soldier of the Polish Legions, captain of the Polish Army, and Wisła Kraków player – was renovated and funded by the Institute of National Remembrance in Krakow. A dedication ceremony took place in August. For the second time this year, and the first of the new season, Socios Wisła has been named Match Sponsor. This role fell to the organization in anticipation of its 5th anniversary. Before the first whistle, the club honored the Association. A match escort was provided for the youngest members, who accompanied the players from the tunnel onto the pitch. A Socios sofa was also placed on Reymont Stadium, allowing members of our Association to watch the matches from the pitch. It was undoubtedly a meeting with a unique setting!

September

This fall, the organization supported another TS Wisła Kraków section. This time, thanks to additional donations and the participation of one of the Association's members who wishes to remain anonymous, we financially supported the White Star basketball players by donating PLN 10,000. The funds will support the section's budget and help them play the 2023/24 season.

October

Ahead of the upcoming All Saints' Day, a campaign was organized in conjunction with the Wisła History Association to Clean Up Wisła Graves. The initiative honored the memory of deceased Wisła players buried in Krakow's cemeteries. It's worth noting that in 2019, during just such an event, information was uncovered regarding the removal of the grave of the late Stanisław Kowalski, a Wisła Kraków footballer. The grave had not been paid for for years and was listed for demolition. The outstanding amount was paid, and the grave was reported to the Institute of National Remembrance in Krakow. The grave was renovated. A ceremonial unveiling took place in August 2023. This event demonstrates the importance of such initiatives!

The Socios Association actively participated in the Wisła Biznes Fair, held at the Henryk Reyman Municipal Stadium in Krakow. This was the first edition of the event, which allowed attendees to learn more about the club's sponsors and business partners in this format. The Socios stand was also present at selected matches and club events, including at Galeria Bronowice, during a meeting with the players.

November

In November, we recorded total revenue from Wiślackie beer sales exceeding half a million złoty. Half of the proceeds went directly to the club, while the other half allowed us to repay the investment in infrastructure enabling beer bottling at the stadium near R22. Socios has initiated another project! The first steps toward creating a restaurant located at the stadium have been taken. In the final months of the year, we worked with a team of architects on a preliminary architectural concept. The costs of this stage of the work will be financed by one of Socios Wisła's Partners.

December

The last 12 months have also been a challenging time for Socios Wisła, the team that defends the three-color flag in the six-a-side football league. After the regular season in the winter league, the team finished first in the table, having gone 13 matches undefeated, winning 11 times and drawing twice. However, their first loss came in the playoff finals.

Thanks to strong results in the winter league, the team secured promotion to the FLS C League, where they competed until the end of the year. Unfortunately, the promotion match to the B League (in the last round) ended in a loss. In early December, following an extraordinary vote by Socios members, it was decided to donate PLN 1,000,000.00 for the construction of a pitch for the youngest players from Wisła's academies and schools. This amount consists of PLN 604,041.67 approved in the December vote and PLN 395,958.33 of previously frozen funding for the pitch. The transfer of PLN 1 million was transferred to TS Wisła Kraków's account later that month, thus beginning the implementation of the goal of building a pitch with an artificial turf for young Wisła players! The new facility will be ready in July 2024!

The Association's primary goal is to help build strong foundations for the club. We are confident that the project will improve training conditions for the youngest players at the Wisła Kraków Football Academy and enhance parental comfort. The savings our investment will generate for the football club are also significant.

The end of the year brought Jarosław Iwanow, a Socios scholarship holder and TS Wisła player, his sixth Polish Boxing Championship title. We're keeping our fingers crossed for his continued success.

December culminated with the "Wisłackie Mikołajki" (Wisła Santa Claus Day) event organized in the MABG section. A festive atmosphere filled the entire stand! There were gifts, competitions, and even carol singing! 500 children from school groups received gifts during the event. Santa Claus also visited the youngest fans in other sections. We extend our sincere thanks to every Socio, every Socios Partner, for their regular support. Remember, behind the big donations are the smaller ones, and month after month, each of you contributes a solid contribution that will pay off in the future. This is our shared investment in the future of the White Star!

Join Socios in 2024! We can do even more with you! LINK