DEAR EDITOR:
In light of the current spate of criticism directed at the
Orchard Valley Youth Soccer League, I want to offer the
following.
DEAR EDITOR:
In light of the current spate of criticism directed at 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 and composed of many different, annually elected league members.
In my time, Orchard Valley worked with the California Youth Soccer Association to develop the Morgan Hill Soccer Complex that has been in place for the past decade bringing hundreds of thousands of 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 it’s own on the site bringing 86 teams form inside and outside Morgan Hill spreading the good name of this community and supporting our local businesses.
The league, through volunteer members, has worked to provide a safe, learning environment for the youth of Gilroy, San Martin, and Morgan Hill.
Having been a 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 being 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 and are based on the concept of developing players and 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 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 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.
For the most part, board meetings are open for anyone 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 hear any issues that I wished to air.
Richard Mussallem, Morgan Hill
Orchard Valley Past President
Submitted Thursday, July 22 to ed****@****ic.com
