G. Kapczyński: I Am Proud That, as a Board, We Stuck to Ethics and Morality…

You led the Sports Club “Sęp” in Żelechów for a total of 10 years—during 1991–1994 and 2020–2025. From your perspective, how has the functioning of our club changed over nearly three decades? Do the realities of the 1990s differ significantly from those of today? How would you sum up these two periods?

G. Kapczyński:The first term was a period of “to be or not to be” for “Sęp.” There was no president, no board—there was only the club bus standing in the town square with broken windows. We faced a difficult decision: either dissolve the club legally or try to revive it. We chose the latter, and it worked. These were two very different periods of operation. Back then, there was a senior team and a junior team. Today, much greater emphasis is placed on youth groups. At that time, there was practically no paperwork. Everything was simple because there was almost nothing. Equipment, tracksuits, balls, match kits—all of that had to be arranged.

What are you most proud of and most satisfied with? What did you and the board manage to achieve or accomplish while running the club?

G. Kapczyński:In the first phase: that the club could continue to exist. In the second: organizing the 100th anniversary of “Sęp” and the related investments (covered stands for over 200 people, modernization and insulation of the club building, construction of new restrooms and showers). As for the sporting aspect, the club currently operates 7 football teams and 5 volleyball teams. I think our club is now one of the better-organized clubs in the Siedlce region.

What challenges and difficulties does one encounter when running a sports club in a small town, competing in lower leagues? Was there anything that proved particularly difficult to achieve or implement?

G. Kapczyński:I don’t think that, with a certain level of commitment, many problems can’t be solved. Cooperation with the MZPN went well.

How do you assess cooperation during the past term with board members, players, parents, and also with the city authorities?

G. Kapczyński:I think the cooperation was satisfactory. Obviously, some people were more involved, others less; some had more time, others less, to take action. Cooperation with the senior team was very good. With the city authorities, cooperation at the beginning was amusing and later embarrassing. No words.

In your opinion, what are the prospects for the development of our club, both in sporting and infrastructural terms? Do you see a chance to create new youth groups or launch additional sports sections?

G. Kapczyński:I think this is the maximum when it comes to new groups and sections—especially since competition has appeared: UKS “Orlik” Żelechów, where the president is Mr. Paweł Mazurek. Yes, yes—the same person as in “Sęp.” As for infrastructure, that is already a matter for the city authorities.

Is there any decision or moment from your time as president that particularly stands out in your memory—positively or negatively?

G. Kapczyński:The senior team’s exemplary behavior during my illness (shirts showing support and standing by me…). I am proud that, as a board, we adhered to ethics and morality—no one from the authorities took money from the club (you are either an activist or an employee; something had to be given up).

What plans do you have for the future now that the responsibility of running the club is off your shoulders? Do you still intend to be involved in any way or support the club—directly or indirectly?

G. Kapczyński:Health, health, rest. I do not intend to be directly involved, but I will keep my fingers crossed for “our child”—“Sęp” Żelechów.

What one piece of advice would you give the new club authorities at the start of their term?

G. Kapczyński:None. They are adults—let them act. Time will judge them.

What would you wish for the Sports Club “Sęp” in Żelechów in the coming years?

G. Kapczyński:The highest flights possible…