Dear Emerald City Membership:
Thanks to all who completed our parent survey last month. We had responses from more than half of our membership so far, and we will be sending it out to our high school girls in a few more weeks. Although much of the data is still being analyzed, we are pleased to report that 85% of our families reported that they “agreed or strongly agreed” that their player’s experience with ECFC has been positive – including 91% of our U11 and u12 respondents!! Our coaching directors have received individual team data and comments that will be used in the annual coach evaluations. Your feedback is invaluable during this process! Summary data will be released to the board and membership soon.
PLAYER CLINIC
I also want to provide one more reminder for our younger siblings and friends of our families about the player clinic that is being offered by one of our talented coaches! David Smith’s (F96 Green and M93 White) six week clinics begin February 21stand are targeted for 8, 9 and 10 year olds. There is an announcement on our website (www.emeraldcityfc.org) with more information and a link to registration.
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE/WYS DISCUSSIONS
The PDL leadership, including Directors of Coaching and Board Presidents have met twice within the three weeks. Recall that WYS is hoping to realign the PDL clubs with the state structure. Currently, the PDL operates its league independently, under its own authority. On January 22nd, the PDL adopted a resolution to suspend negotiations with WYS on this topic until WYS “fixes” the problem facing our club and the Spokane Shadow. That is, WYS has been challenged to find a solution to allow our club to field teams at all ages in the coming season. Although no solution has yet been offered, the resolution (an 18-1 vote) offers continuing evidence of the support for our club from our peers in the PDL!
Furthermore, the PDL has reiterated that:
(A) Emerald City will remain an eligible PDL club in the coming season, and
(B) Seattle United will not qualify for PDL membership in the coming season.
In fact, Seattle United has not yet even approached the PDL regarding the process for obtaining membership. WYS has clearly recognized this dilemma for Seattle’s younger players and is more recently indicated some urgency in finding a solution.
2) The PDL directors formally requested that a member Director of Coaching contact US Club Soccer officials to continue to explore US Club as a potential playing platform for our teams. We’ll keep you posted as US Club soccer remains a possible venue for our younger teams, particularly in coordination with other PDL clubs.
In summary, we are busy preparing for the upcoming season and look forward to our older boy’s team tryouts within a month! Coaching slates, budgets/club fees, and exciting ideas for some new programs are in the works. We have met with some team managers and will meet with the remaining managers and/or teams later this month. We have been asked to increase the level of communication from the club and will strive to do so.
We remain very committed to the future of ECFC as an independent club that will continue to offer the best possible playing opportunities for our players and coaches. In the meanwhile, I hope you all enjoy your respective playing venues and please keep an eye out for our older boys in state cup – U16s, U17s and U18s have advanced to the elimination or quarterfinal rounds of their respective tournaments!!
And, as always, please contact me with questions or comments.
Best wishes on behalf of the Emerald City FC Board of Directors,
Joe Picciano, President
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