FK Cēsis is embarking on a new chapter with the recent investment and ownership by Kevin Doyle, a Florida-based executive with a deep passion for football. In an exclusive interview with Baltic Football News, he shares his journey, motivations, and vision for the club’s future.
From Government Affairs to football ownership
Kevin brings a wealth of experience from his work in U.S. government affairs, having held roles with the U.S. Senate, the Florida Legislature, and the White House. Currently an executive at HBW Resources, a Texas-based firm, he resides in St. Augustine, Florida – the oldest city in the United States, which he notes shares historical similarities with Cēsis.
His love for football began at the age of six, playing through high school and for Ancient City Soccer Club. Today, he continues to contribute to the sport as a board member and coach in his local league. His involvement in European football started through connections with Steve Paris’ investment group and later expanded with Carrick Rangers FC in Northern Ireland.
“A few years ago, I was introduced to a group of investors led by Steve Paris. They were involved with football teams in Europe where I was able to get my first exposure in getting a look behind the scenes of what it took to run a football program,” Kevin explained. “Through that group, I was connected with Michael Smith and Peter Clarke who own and lead the Carrick Rangers football program in Northern Ireland where I am still a huge supporter and will continue to be in addition to my work and support for FK Cēsis.”
Why FK Cēsis?
After researching clubs across Europe and North America, Kevin was drawn to FK Cēsis due to its strong community support and ambitious vision. Conversations with club figures Roberts Cipe, Emīls Pētersons, and Chris Wilkinson convinced him that the club had the potential for significant growth. Their passion, combined with the development of Latvian football, made the decision to invest an easy one.
“The team at FK Cēsis put together an amazing presentation on the vision and the goals that they wanted to see for the program,” Kevin said. “We had many meetings, and I continued to be intrigued by what I saw in Latvia between the growth of football in the country and the widespread community support that FK Cēsis had there in the region.”
“It has been great having the tremendous support from my family as I take on this new journey,” Kevin shared.
Short-Term and Long-Term goals
Kevin’s immediate objective is to maintain FK Cēsis’ winning culture while further integrating the club into the local community. His primary goal for the upcoming season is securing promotion for the men’s team. In the long run, he aims to develop an academy and establish a women’s program, ensuring the club’s sustainability and growth.
“Short-term, we want to continue the success and support the winning culture that is already in place while continuing to identify ways to further integrate with the greater Cēsis community,” Kevin stated. “We are determined for promotion of the men’s club to the next division after this upcoming season while, longer-term, looking at developing our academy and a women’s program.”
Investment and club development
Since his involvement, FK Cēsis has undergone financial strengthening to ensure competitiveness. Kevin emphasizes the importance of providing the team with the necessary resources to succeed, encapsulated in the club’s motto: “One objective, one team, one city – Cēsis.”
“We are definitely making the investment to ensure that we are competitive and the team is well-resourced to continue to be a success story for the region,” Kevin affirmed. “We want to make the city proud of their team both on and off the field and we are looking forward to the journey ahead.”
How will the club improve competitiveness?
To enhance the club’s competitiveness, Kevin plans to recruit additional coaching staff and new talent while strengthening the club’s foundations.
“We are looking at bringing on some additional coaches as well as recruit additional talent to the program to help complement the great foundation already there,” he shared. “The one thing that I have learned that we cannot control is winning and losing any given match or in any given season, so it is so important to build the right foundation for the long term, financial stability, communication, shared vision, support of the community and ultimately about creating an asset that the region can be proud of for years to come.”
