Almost a decade has passed since the last Jaro Veikkaus league match, but next season will be different. Jaro has a league game year, a 60th anniversary year and a new stadium year.
Jaro’s second match against FC Lahte, played on Sunday, was difficult for the residents of St. Petersburg. However, after the dramatic stages, the goal difference in the qualifying matches was enough for Jaro to be promoted to the Veikkausliiga.
Chairman of Liiga Jaro Dan Käldman was surprised that Jaro got to the league faster than he could have imagined just two weeks ago.
Many things change when going to the league level.
– The level of the game rises, and everything goes faster on the field.
Preparation for next season starts with applying for a league license.
According to Käldman, the league level requires the strengthening of Jaro’s organization. A CEO has already been applied for, and the name will be announced shortly. We are also thinking about strengthening the coaching team and marketing.
According to Käldman, the team also needs to be built and strengthened in all areas. A couple of players have a contract for next year, but the team is being built with players from both home and abroad.
The solidarity money granted to the league team helps to reach a new level. Käldman estimates that the amount is 500,000 – 600,000 euros.
For the upcoming early season, Jaro needs a high-quality artificial turf as a playing field. It is searched for in nearby towns. The new stadium will be completed in Pietarsaari at the end of July.
– It can be seen in the number of viewers as a clear increase, Käldman expects.
The fans interviewed in the video of the story also believe in the effect of the new stadium.
Jan Riska watched the game nervously, but it turned out well in the end.
– Let’s put it on the map of Pietarsaari again. Really great stuff!
Even a non-fan’s senses were heightened
St. Petersburg native May Nyman there are no football people at all, but says that in Pietarsaari it has not been possible to avoid the excitement related to the matter in the past week.
Nyman passed by the playing field during the first qualifying round and realized from the shouting and cheering that it was Jarlo’s case now.
– It seemed that all week long I’ve been walking around a bit with my ears open and listening to what people are saying, and realized that this is now a tough thing.
When admission to the Veikkausliiga became clear, Nyman also noticed it.
– I can’t help it, I’m happy about it. Yes, it just affects ours too! I’ll probably go to at least one game next summer to sit and cheer.