Year-end tournaments recently completed signaled an end to another successful season of minor soccer on the Sunshine Coast.
According to Sunshine Coast Youth Soccer Association president Norm Blair, more than 1,200 youth took part in 11 divisions this season, a slight increase from last year.
Off the field, the association made several organizational changes, moving the board from a management model to a governance model. The decision proved to be a good one as the association added 27 more volunteers and restructured its divisional co-ordinators, which Blair said made organization of the divisions much more effective.
"It was a real transition year for us, but we had incredible volunteers, and all the division co-ordinators did an excellent job," he said.
The association has their wrap-up meeting planned in the coming weeks and will be looking at several things, including possible schedule changes for next year.
"We lost 30 per cent of our games because of rain and the fields being closed," said Blair. "In talking with parents, coaches and all our volunteers, I think there is a strong desire to look at our scheduling options. The goal is for the kids to get as much playing time as possible and get more games in when the weather is a bit better. It's hard for the kids to keep their feet on the ball and improve when you can't play the games."
Besides the house league, Blair said it was another great year for the rep travel teams too.
"Our rep teams continue to excel. We had 160 kids who practised at least twice a week and had at least one game a week," he said. "Factor in travel and expenses - it's important to acknowledge the commitment to the game of all our players, coaches and parents."
And the new field project behind Chatelech Secondary School continues to be a focal point for the association.
The sod was laid in March 18, and with temporary fencing going up, the field will be ready for the start of baseball season later this month.
Blair said they have received incredible support from the business community and the baseball association on the project. An official opening day is being planned, with more details to be released in the coming weeks.
Through the great partnership with baseball, the Sunshine Coast Athletic and Recreation Facilities Society has been formed.
Blair said this is a huge step towards hopefully having all sports and athletic associations on the Sunshine Coast under one umbrella.
