The spring has been uncharacteristically pleasant for much of Wisconsin, so far (hopefully, I have not jinxed our good fortune). The grass begins to prepare for the matches to come. The players are anxious to enter the pitch. The parents look forward to the upcoming games. This is what we prepare for. With all that, there are several updates on happenings at Wisconsin Youth Soccer.
WYSA, Inc. is now recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)3 organization. We are beginning an outside audit of the WSA and its divisions to insure accurate and appropriate transfer of assets to the new organization. In this transition, we are also looking at updates in how we coordinate to promote soccer in Wisconsin. One step of this is the structure of the Wisconsin Referee Committee. Both WASA and WYSA representatives now sit on the committee. Specifically, in addition to the typical referee positions, there are three WYSA representatives and three WASA representatives. The new group is working on the exact structure and organization to provide the best communication between the referees, youth clubs and adult clubs.
Last time, I reported the events for the Annual General Meeting (AGM) March 13. First and foremost, thanks to leadership of the clubs able to attend. The neat thing was that the hotel had to bring in extra chairs for the attendees. We tried to make the meeting something of interest in many ways. A visit by Mike Edwards, Vice President of USSF, provided us some insight to the efforts for the World Cup Bid for 2018 and 2022. We shared a few videos from the ESPN Sports Center and the USSF year in review. The Wisconsin Soccer Learning University received a lot of positive feedback. Next year, we hope to be at a location that will not possibly run out of room. Please watch for more to come.
In addition, the budget was approved by the membership. This may sound mundane; however, two key components were included in that budget. First, there was a modest restructuring of the WYSA player registration fees. Effective for the 2010-2011 playing season, recreational players’ fees for U10 and lower will only be $5.50, a reduction of $4.00 per player. Recreational fees for U11 and older remain at the current level of $9.50 per player. Competitive/classic player registration fees will be $17.50.
Additionally, the membership approved the Membership Growth Rebate Program. All WYSA member clubs that increase their overall player registration in 2010-2011 over 2009-2010, will be eligible to receive a rebate of player fees based on the number of players that are new to WYSA in 2010-2011. The amount of the rebate will be $2.50 (U10 and under recreational players), $6.50 (U11 and older recreational players) or $14.50 (competitive/classic players) based on players not previously a member of WYSA. Rebates will be processed in July 2011.
Our second season of the Western Wisconsin Classic Soccer League started April 24th. This league has grown to 24 teams playing a six game season in the western part of the state. Teams from Rice Lake, Ashland, Wisconsin Rapids, La Crosse, Amery, New Richmond, Chippewa Falls, Price County and Marshfield at the U12 and U14 level are coming together to play a league of six games over three Saturdays. This provides an additional level of competition, never available to these clubs before. We look forward to growing this league in the future.
US Youth Soccer has several national sponsors/partners. However, the national sponsor nearest to us in many ways is Kohl’s. I imagine some of you reading this newsletter are employed at the Kohl’s headquarters in Menomonee Falls. Over the years, Kohl’s has provided us with promotional items for events. The Kohl’s program that I think has real potential for your club and players is the Kohl’s American Cup traveling competition. Kettle Moraine United Soccer Club is again hosting a Kohl’s American Cup this year on June 6. For these events, Kohl’s provides promotional support and, if it is available, the Kohl’s American Cup truck. This truck carries, inflatable activities. For more information see the WYSA website at http://www.wiyouthsoccer.com/Tournaments/americancup.htm. If your club would like to host a Kohl’s American Cup, please contact the WYSA office.
If you have never been to a Chicago Fire or Chicago Red Stars game, we have coordinated two WYSA days at Toyota Park. June 5 at 7:30, the Chicago Fire take on Philadelphia. Cheer Wisconsin’s Tim Ward help the Fire to victory. Get more information on the front page of the WYSA website. Also, mark your calendars for July 25. WYSA Day at the Chicago Red Stars welcome our own Leslie Osborne playing for Boston against the Red Stars.
Futsal is in the air. We are working through our strong relationship with the Milwaukee Wave and our own coaching staff of Jim Launder and Craig Carlson, to provide you and your club the tools to implement or enhance your Futsal program. Futsal is a great way to continue ball skill development of players of all ages. Please keep your eyes open for more information.
Peter Mariahazy
WYSA President |
