Gentlemen-

 Our spring 2010 preseason meeting will be hosted at Charlie O’s in Narragansett on March 10^th at 6:30 PM. There are several business items we need to review:

-                      Review of fall session; makeup games, field conditions, referees, etc.

-                      Review of spring session; startup (April 11^th), field conditions, referees, playoff schedule, summer tournaments, etc.

-                      Review of League and Team financials; outstanding fees, fines, etc.

In addition to these perennial topics, I also would like each team representative to participate in a discussion regarding the evolution and development of our league. I consider myself privileged to have played and served in this league since 1994. However, I also recognize that the USA League is a men’s competitive league, and as such we need to remain competitive into the future. We’ve seen the rise and subsequent demise of Rhode Island Soccer Association over the past decade, mostly because of pride and stagnation in their executive ranks. Many leagues (ours included) disbanded from RISA over the past decade, and have not only did they survive, they have also prospered. I truly believe our collection of players, teams, sponsors, fields, etc. set us apart from anything other programs in the region can offer, and we are poised to take it “to the next level” with the right leadership (hint: we need a new infusion of blood to help run our the league….).

After we get through our core business topics (and before too many beers are consumed), we should define the mission, vision, goals and objectives for our league. This does not have to be a laborious effort as is the case in the corporate world; however it is a process worth going through to ensure future management decisions are aligned with what we all want. To kick-start the process, please consider the following DRAFT statements for discussion at the meeting:

Mission:

To provide high quality, competitive soccer utilizing the best fields and quality referees in Rhode Island, while maintaining outstanding sportsmanship and camaraderie between our teams and officials.

Vision:

Rhode Island’s premier adult soccer organization

 Goals:

1-                   Continue the development of diverse, competitive, and sustainable teams throughout Rhode Island

2-                   Develop alternate categories of competition (over-30, geographic divisions, indoor, co-ed, etc.) that meet the needs of an expanded league membership

3-                   Develop strong links to U-19 programs to provide immediate opportunity for local players to join our ranks after they finish high school and/or college.

4-                   Maintain reasonable game schedules to ensure the sustainability of our league (i.e.: do not conflict with family, work, or other social obligations).

 Objectives:

1-                   Develop an over-30 program within the next two years.

2-                   Develop partnership with other outdoor and indoor leagues to promote and expand our league

3-                   Develop direct relationships with local youth leagues and premier teams to expand our awareness.

 
If anyone else has any questions, comments, etc. regarding the meeting format or the draft mission, vision, goals and objectives, please share with the rest of the league. Lastly (you all know this is coming), please send at least ONE representative to the meeting. More attendance from your teams is encouraged. Any team not attending this meeting will be subject to a $25 fine.

Thanks,

Ken Burke

USA League President