The 2008 Newsletter is now available in PDF format below. Please note that the newsletter will not be mailed this year and all registrations will be on-line.
Information contained in the newsletter (including announcements concerning travel tryouts, camps and fall registration) are also available on various pages of this website.
2008 Newsletter
2008 Newsletter
2007 Newsletter
Newsletter (Word Doc)
Newsletter (pdf)
Letter from the President April 2008
Dear WMSC Friends and Families,
As a spectator sport, soccer remains an oddity. Twenty-two players of utmost skill, often fail to score a single goal after running hard during the allotted 90 minutes of play. Consequently, in the U.S., television coverage is limited at best -- although recently expanded to capture up-close cameos of a sidelined David Beckham or more importantly, his celebrated wife.
Last fall, I had the opportunity to join 80,000 avid Europeans watch the German National team square off against a venerable Czech team. In business meetings over the next few days, every conversation began with a debate on the woes of the German team. One month later I watched two of America’s best teams face off in a stadium of similar capacity, albeit with a (relatively apathetic) audience of only 4,000. Also, trials and tribulations of the US women during the 2007 World Cup hardly made the news. So much for America’s appreciation of what’s universally known as the beautiful sport.
Despite lack of spectator success, U.S. participation in the sport continues to grow -- nearly 3 million youth are now playing soccer in the United States. West Morris also continues to expand. With nearly 1,500 participants in our intramural and travel programs we also rank among the biggest soccer clubs in the state – and the largest youth athletic organization in the local area. The breadth of our offerings remains strong, from introductory programs for Kindergarteners through high school aged premier teams, playing under the PFC label.
Intramural Program
Fun, skill development, and promoting continued participation – that’s at the core of our intramural program. However, with approximately 1000 participants, the expectations, skills and commitment level of the group is diverse. Over the past couple of years, we’ve examined how best to address issues posed by youth participation outstripping parental ability to coach the game, field availability and a host of other issues. After a series of meetings with our training partner, last fall we moved in a direction of flex-scheduling for our practices. The new training routine was a step in the right direction, however this year; we’ll be modifying to regain the benefits of team-oriented practices while retaining the benefits of scheduling flexibility.
In many seasons, weather proves to cut down on playing time. Last fall, we were fortunate in playing most all of our scheduled games. The annual Halloween tournament brought a smile to many faces.
Travel Program
The WMSC travel program has grown materially and this spring will include 34 teams. The majority of our teams compete in Morris County Youth Soccer Association (MCYSA) – where WMSC ranks as the second largest club among the six dozen members. This spring, 12 boys and girls teams at U-10 and below will represent the club in MCYSA. An additional 13 teams will represent WMSC at age U-11 and above. With nine teams now participating in other leagues (including CNJYSA, MAPs and JAGS) WMSC’s reach continues to expand.
During 2007, our teams took top honors as MCYSA flight winners on nine occasions. Credit goes out to the fall 2007 champion U-9 Panthers, U-11 PFC Fire and U-13 Predators. During the spring, the U-8 Hurricanes, U-8 Hornets, U-10 Blue Storm, U-12 Predators, U-13 Sparks and U-17 Patriots claimed top honors as well. Our teams in other leagues posted similar success.
The PFC program continues to expand, offering home-grown players increased opportunity to showcase their talent within the arena of our local club. Several of our PFC teams have achieved meaningful success in state cup and other tournament play. Many of the PFC teams include local high school players who re-unite after their fall school season concludes. Watching the development of these players is clearly inspiring, particularly for our current crop of young players. We encourage WMSC families to come out and watch these games, often played at Black River each weekend.
Fields
The responsibilities of our fields trustee are daunting – and the responsibilities continue to expand. Our work with local communities to appropriately utilize existing field space and procure new facilities requires a material effort. This year we’ve initiated projects including the installation of an irrigation well at Chubb Park and an improved maintenance plan.
Local governments are making progress on establishing a regionalized approach to field usage and development – a concept that we’ve promoted for years. We owe appreciation to municipal officials, recreation volunteers and public works departments for recognizing the importance of field space to youth athletics. Nonetheless, access to quality fields remains a critical issue. Each fall, the club runs approximately 150 practices and 70 games per week. Demands on existing fields continue to increase and without sufficient facilities, training will be impacted.
A word of thanks
The tireless efforts of our volunteers enables the program to thrive. I thank all of them: coaches, team parents and our trustees for their time and dedication. This year, four of our trustees are moving on. While our work standing shoulder-to-shoulder in the trenches will not continue, our friendships will endure. If there were ever an advertisement on the virtues of volunteerism at WMSC it should include a clip on the value of friendships made among our devoted volunteers.
John Tatum, a devoted and long-standing WMSC trustee will be relocating to Utah in coming months. Over the years, John served in a variety of roles, most recently serving as an officer and treasurer. Paul Tomasi, our 2007 VP of Intramurals, did an excellent job in facilitating changes in the practice regimen last season. For the past several years he also worked tirelessly in building out WMSC’s online presence and fundraising. Paul’s ever-positive demeanor will be missed. Amalia Duarte moved our fields program forward and now continues her work on a local Recreation Commission. She brought clear thinking and structure to an increasingly important role within the club. Ed Powers also served in a variety of roles, including heading up our intramural program and previously, field scheduling. Ed’s volunteer involvement has recently been channeled to baseball. The baton now passes to our new trustees who’ll take up where their predecessors left off. I have every confidence that WMSC will thrive with their involvement.
I’d also like to thank the growing list of WMSC sponsors who’ve generously provided their support of our program. Their assistance has been critical in our ability to maintain stability in program fees, despite rising costs.
Goals for the year ahead
In 2007, we made improvement on several fronts, including an update and ratification of the WMSC Constitution and By-Laws. This year, we’ll further tighten operating standards and place an increased focus on training and education. We’ll also seek to better define policies and standards for the travel program. Over the coming months, I’ll be soliciting input and volunteers to assist in developing a strategic plan.
Keep the traditions alive and keep the game in the game.
On behalf of my fellow trustees,
Bill Hauser