Hackettstown Soccer Club
P.O. Box 3
Hackettstown, NJ 07840
www.HackettstownSoccerClub.com
Good Afternoon,
Allow me to introduce myself to those of you who do not know me. My name is Kevin Eitel; I am president of Hackettstown Soccer Club (hereinafter “HSC” or “the Club”). Although I am sending this letter, I am writing on behalf of the Executive Board of Hackettstown Soccer Club. Prior to its distribution, the board members have all contributed, and we as a board stand in concurrence that this is best for the continued enjoyment of youth soccer, and development of our program.
As many of you have heard by now, we are in the process of upgrading our soccer program, both for coaches and players. This has been discussed in our club for the last several years; it was decided over the course of the last year that now was the best time to institute these changes. We have received input from other parents, coaches and soccer administrators; we did not make this decision lightly. I would like to present what the board has discussed and endorsed regarding the enhancements to the Club's programs. I apologize that we did not communicate better with you in advance of launching the changes; we have been trying to get more people to attend our monthly meetings, so we could have an open discussion. That being said, we are going to attempt to hold an open meeting within the next week (need to coordinate with Nelson Hoyt for use of the auditorium at the community center). We would like all coaches and parents to attend; we will further be inviting the Recreation Commission members to the meeting, as well.
We would like to dispel some RUMORS that are being circulated around town:
· Rumor - here is no more fall recreation soccer program. THE RECREATION PROGRAM HAS NOT BEEN ABANDONED. We have actually enhanced the fall program, and made it possible for players to take part in the fall and/or spring seasons through training programs that do not involve travel at all.
· Rumor - there is no chance for players to go out and have fun and get exercise; the program is structured for elite teams. There is nothing further from the truth. We are taking the steps to ensure ALL players have a chance to participate. NO ONE WILL SIT THE BENCH THE ENTIRE GAME (unless the player has been disciplined by the referee). Injured players, however, are encouraged to be at the games and practices to observe and be part of the team!!!
· Rumor - by raising the cost of registration you have eliminated the possibility of some players from participating. NOT TRUE! Even with the change in registration fee, we are still below the cost of surrounding towns. That is not important, though… WE WILL NEVER TURN AWAY A PLAYER BECAUSE OF FINANCIAL STATUS. Should a player have special needs or financial difficulties, we only ask that you speak to one of the board members, so we can take the appropriate actions. Additionally, we will be starting both a uniform and cleat swap prior to each season, to assist in providing equipment to everyone.
Now, a discussion on the program changes, and how they will improve the quality of the club:
· PLAYER DEVELOPMENT:
o CLINIC – kindergarten, first grade & second grade: will be held each fall and spring. This program will be held Saturday mornings, and broken down by age group. In the fall, we will have 2nd grade teams compete against other teams in the area, through NWJSA. We are looking for a similar competitive program in the spring; we will keep you apprised.
o OPEN TRAINING: There are some players that want some additional training, or need work with certain skills. This will provide such an environment. Also, there are individuals that do not wish to play competitively, but still want to experience the soccer environment, just have some fun, and/or can not commit to a team for other reasons. This program will give that individual an outlet and chance to learn and have some fun.
§ OPEN TRAINING – FALL: During the fall season, we will have open training for U8 through U14 age groups. This will be a one and one-half hour session once a week, teaching and practicing skill sets provided by USYS Coaches Connection. This program is open to all players, and will be available at a minimal fee for those who wish to participate, but have not joined a team.
§ OPEN TRAINING – SPRING: Same as the fall, but will cover age groups U08 thru U18.
o INDOOR TRAINING: Teams that wish to continue to develop skills have the opportunity to train and/or compete in tournaments in the winter. The Club assist in cost of facility usage.
o COMPETITION: For the past several years, we have had players in several different leagues, including MCYSA and NWJSA for most players, and MAPS/JAGS for elite players. We are not changing the elite program; however, we are combining those that played in MCYSA and NWJSA, above second grade. The justification is simple – there are more and varied levels of competition at MCYSA. NWJSA is school-age based program, and does not take into consideration the skill level of the players (which resulted in teams winning or losing 10-0)… MCYSA provides for varied levels of skill in each age group; instead of being based upon grade, the program is based on age. There are also flights (levels of competition) for each age group.
§ FALL ONLY – U08 through U14: This program will be for teams that only want to, or can only compete, in the fall season.
· Should players participating in this program choose to continue in the spring, they will have that option; we will find room on other teams or if need be teams from other clubs.
· Also, if teams decide at the end of the season (as happened this year) that they wish to continue in the spring, the entire team will be re-registered for the spring.
§ SPRING ONLY – U15 through U19: This program will be for high school-aged players. Additionally, U08 through U14 teams that only want to or can compete in the spring will sign up for this program.
§ FALL & SPRING – U08 through U14: This program is for players and teams that want to compete year-round.
§ TOURNAMENTS & TRAINING: All teams are allowed to participate in tournaments. Further, teams that assist with Hackettstown’s Blast Tournament have the option of a tournament being paid for, or receiving up to $500 in training reimbursement.
· CONTINUED PLAYER SUPPORT:
o Once players enter college, they might choose to continue competition either in intercollegiate (NCAA) or intramural programs. We have established the following programs for when they come home for the summer:
§ MSSL U20/23 MEN’S and WOMEN’S TEAMS: This program is structured through USASA (United States Adult Soccer Association). Teams will compete in June and July, to keep skills sharp, and/or just have some fun.
§ MCSSL OPEN LEAGUE: This program is for adults that are looking for keeping up with soccer skills (we’re too old to know better). Adult leagues are held in fall, spring and summer seasons.
· COACHES:
o All coaching staff will be required to obtain at least the NJYS (New Jersey Youth Soccer) ‘F’ License. This is a basic soccer coach license, and covers legal liability, training drills and coaching fundamentals (go to www.njyouthsoccer.com to obtain more information on license structure, or call me).
o WE WILL BE SPONSORING AN ‘F’ LICENSE COURSE 01/02JUN07. PLEASE CALL OR E-MAIL ME IF YOU WISH TO TAKE THIS COURSE!!!
o Additionally, coaches will be required to attend at least one training clinic per year. The requirement for licensure is mandatory for all travel programs; it has not been strictly enforced with some programs.
o We will also encourage the coaches moving up with players (over age 11, or over age 14) to obtain the appropriate additional training, through taking the ‘E’ License and ‘D’ License, respectively. The Club will sponsor these courses and reimburse its coaches upon successful completion.
· REFEREES:
o Each club is required to provide certified referees commensurate with the number of teams being fielded. We have several referees currently, and are always looking for more.
o WE WILL BE SPONSORING GRADE 8 REFEREE COURSE 11-13AUG07. PLEASE CALL OR E-MAIL ME IF YOU WISH TO TAKE THIS COURSE!!!
o We will also hold a referee clinic each year, and encourage coaches to attend as well, to better understand the Laws of the Game.
HSC Program Modifications Page 1 of 3 26MAY07