Message From the Board of Directors
1. Membership and Financial Status
ASC has grown the membership this year to over 1250 members and is well situated financially.
We were successful this year in keeping costs down so that all families would be able to afford to
play either recreational or Competitive soccer. ASC expects to expand to 1500 members by the fall of
2011. ASC will finish this year well positioned for 2011 financially.
2. Player and Coaching Development
We have made a commitment to invest in a professional training program, 24-7 UK Soccer Academy,
to develop the skills of our competitive teams. We have also recognized that training of coaches is
equally important in building a superior soccer program. ASC plans to expand these service in 2011 and to
increase the number of trained coaches.
3. Recognition and Support of Recreational Players
ASC has identified the need to recognize and promote U8 and above players who currently play on
recreational teams. The first post season All Star games were played at Atlantic and Lincoln fields
on Dec 4th to allow talented and exceptional recreational players to play against our in house teams
or Montclair Soccer club players of similar talent. This recognition encourages players to consider
the Alameda Islander competitive teams which try out in February.
4. Field Allocation and Maintenance
This year ASC with the support of the Jack London Soccer League and the Alameda Sports coalition was able
to prevent the takeover of Atlantic field which would have reduced the number of fields for ASC members
had available to practice and play games on. ASC has identified the need for more fields to support the
expected increase of teams in 2011 and has set up a fields committee to address this future need.
5. Club Affiliation
In June an affiliation committee was established to determine what was best for the recreational
and competitive members of ASC. Two scenarios are currently being evaluated for presentation to all
ASC members. One would be to significantly change the current relationship with Jack London. The other
would be to leave Jack London and form an affiliation with other local clubs which share the same vision
and values as ASC. Discussions with several key clubs have been successfully completed and proposals of
affiliation have been discussed as to the benefits of each affiliation. Any significant changes from the
current club structure will require a vote by ASC members. ASC is now a member of US Club Soccer and also a
member of NorCal Premier Soccer League which will allow our very successful competitive program to advance
and play against the best teams in California.
6. Merger of Bay Oaks and Rockridge
This past month we also were notified that Bay Oaks Soccer Club and Rockridge Soccer Club, two Jack
London clubs, were merging. This will impact the current configuration of Jack London however it remains
unclear as to what the future relationship with Jack London and ASC will be.
7. ASC Board Election and Jack London Board Election
Within the next 1-3 months ASC and then Jack London will hold elections of volunteers to run these non-profit
organizations. We feel that it is important that all ASC members should familiarize themselves with the board
members who will be carrying out the mission and direction of ASC for the next year. In order to continue to
grow ASC, remain a viable community resource and provide a quality soccer program ASC members are encouraged to
keep informed of the challenges which ASC is faced with and if possible to volunteer as a coach, team manager
or a board position.
8. Practice fields with netted goals
Teams benefited greatly this year with the field stewardship program where teams were able to use netted
goals thus allowing for real situation practices and enhancing the practice sessions. Most teams were allocated
half fields for practice which is has increased skill training drills.
9. Changes to the By Laws
Board members have made a commitment to review and revise the By Laws governing ASC. This will allow for
improved operation of the club with a reduction in the number of voting board members and a more efficient
decision making process.
10. Record Board Activities and Accomplishments
2010 saw the largest amount of motions passes by the ASC Board resulting in key development programs to
enhance the value which ASC has to offer to all of its members. Looking to 2011 and Beyond
Alameda Soccer Club provides every child an opportunity to play -- those who want to kick the ball
365 days a year, and those who just want to play with their friends. We don't turn kids away if they want to
play. To do this we need volunteers, fields and wise management of our financial resources. We will continue
to focus on each of these areas in the coming year - preserving and enhancing our field resources, managing
our financial resources to keep fees affordable, and encouraging more volunteer participation.
We very much appreciate the support our wonderful parents and volunteers give to the Club and the
children -- thank you! We wish each one of you an enjoyable and relaxing holiday break between soccer
seasons. See you on the pitch
|
