EDITOR: In light of the current spate of criticism directed to
the Orchard Valley Youth Soccer League, I want to offer the
following.
EDITOR:
In light of the current spate of criticism directed to the Orchard Valley Youth Soccer League, I want to offer the following.
Even during my presidency, the league, as it does now, operates through the decisions of the Board of Directors which is representative of the recreation, class 3, and class 1 divisions in the league and composed of many different, annually elected, league members.
In my time, the Orchard Valley League worked with the California Youth Soccer Association to develop the Morgan Hill Soccer Complex that have been in place for the past decade bringing hundreds of thousands of revenue dollars to the community through the activities at this complex. Through the years the OVYSL has continued an active role at the complex in conjunction with the State organization, hosting a tournament of its own on the site, this year on Aug 7-8, bringing 86 teams form inside and outside Morgan Hill spreading the good name of this communities and supporting our local businesses.
The league, through its volunteer members, has worked to provide a safe, learning environment for the youth of Gilroy, San Martin and Morgan Hill. Having been part of the soccer administration at all levels, I know the time and dedication that it takes to afford the youth of our community the level of participation and organization that it does.
There are some policies that maintain continuity in the program and its philosophy with which some people may disagree, such as, tryouts and team selection open every season to all players, requiring players to play in their respective age groupings, and the format of our beginning competition program in the age 9 and 10 divisions. These policies and programs are important to the success of the league from one year to the next and are based on the concept of developing players, teams being the progression of that development.
The Board of Directors is a “working board” with each board member having a least one significant job, and sometimes many. It is unfortunate that a few people with personal agendas who disagree with the philosophy of the league are attacking the League instead of stepping up to do the hard work that enables to league to function effectively. The OVYSL, approved by the California Youth Soccer Association, has been serving the youth in our community for the past 22 years. The coaches of the league understand the policies set forth by the Board of Directors, and, the boys and girls coaching coordinators are always available to listen to any issues that may arise and to bring those issues before the Board, if necessary.
For the most part, the board meetings are open for any interested party to attend, however, these meetings are only attended by the board members. As part of the Boys U-12 competition program, Ricardo Martinez, the boys coordinator, has always been available to any issues that I wished to air.
Certainly, any organization can improve. OVYSL solicits feedback from the soccer community through surveys, and has taken into account the responses to the questionnaires handed out at the jamboree at the end of last year’s season. A proposal to create an Academy of Soccer specifically to work with ages 6 through 12 is under submission to the league. The Board of Directors, who work tirelessly for the league, the coaches, referees, players and parents are always endeavoring to enhance the level of play and enjoyment of the youth to which we devote our time. I would like to thank them for their commitment of their personal time to the girls and boys of this soccer community for the enhancement of this wonderful sport.
Richard Mussallem,
Morgan Hill
