Welcome to “We are Common.” Every week, we will be introducing you to the people that make up Lansing Common FC. Since this is a community-owned team, this is your chance to learn about all of those who literally make Lansing Common FC what it is. We will start by introducing you to our board members, who were elected in January. Since then, they have been hard at work, getting this team ready to play soccer in 2021.
Today we are featuring Member-At-Large Cameron Tanner.
How long have you lived in the Lansing area, and what do you enjoy most about it?
I’ve lived in Lansing since 2016 when I moved back to Michigan for school. I really enjoy the authenticity of my interactions with people in the community and the fact that there are so many opportunities to build great things. Lansing represents hope and growth to me.
What was the moment or team that got you invested in Lansing soccer?
I feel like I was always going to be invested in Lansing soccer in some way. I sought out the soccer community upon moving back. The Rafa’s Shirt match for United in 2017 was my first really big emotional moment though.
What professional or personal experiences have you brought to the board that has helped you contribute?
I consider myself somewhat of a soccer evangelist. Soccer has been a part of me since I was really young. My uncle, Paul Kato (former Mason High soccer coach), turned me onto the sport as a child and as an adult, I’ve just sought ways to keep it in my life. I’ve ended up starting and coaching a high school team, starting supporter groups (American Outlaws Winston-Salem and a supporter group for Wake Forest, and building places for supporters to come together over soccer. I bring those broad experiences in growing soccer communities and bringing people together for a common goal.
What is something important that the team needs to do to be as successful as we want it to be?
For the team to be as successful as we want it to be, we will have to continue to not only listen to the community but proactively find as many voices as we can to listen to. I want our community to see themselves in the team every time they take the field, but also to feel pride and a sense of belonging every time they see someone wearing the crest around the area.
Where do you see Lansing Common FC in 5 years?
I don’t know what level we’ll be playing at, but I would love to see us as a recognized member of the community that is known for its support and advocacy. I would really love to see us providing opportunities for youth to grow in the game in a way that isn’t related to being able to pay to join a certain club.
Over the next few weeks, we will continue to introduce you to our 6-person board. After that, we want to highlight other members as well. If you want to volunteer to be featured, please contact us at info@lansingcommonfc.com.
