Minutes for the Urbana Soccer Association meeting July 22, 2008 at the Urbana Regional Library (Frederick County Public Libraries does not promote or endorse the views of the program sponsors or presenters.) Attendance:  David Ward, David Grimaldi, Herbert Avila, Harry Hurst, Mark Keating, Heath Hoffman, John Garza, Jim Strnisha, Ed Tripplet, Quentin Davis, Anh-Tuan Nguyenkhoa The meeting was called to order at 7:30P.  1.      Minutes Approval (All)   a.       The minutes from June 17, 2008 was approved.   2.      Registrar's Report (Terri L.)   a.       Fall 2008 registration is down.  Need to survey the community for feedback.   b.      Coaches’ packets were available for pickup.   3.      Treasurer's Report (Herbert)   a.       Nothing to report; settle some recent bills   4.      VP's Report (Harry)   a.       FCPS field request for UES and WKMS is good for July & August, pending for September thru November.   5.      Secretary's Report (Anh-Tuan)   a.       Nothing to report   6.      Coaches Education (David)   a.       FCYSL Sportsmanship Classes – All coaches and assistants need to attend if not already done so.  The association covers the cost.                                                      i.      August 23 [9-11A], September 3 [7-9P] at Myersville ES   b.      E: Queen Anne’s County ISC in Centreville – August 9 & 10   c.       National Youth:  Maryland Soccerplex, Germantown Maryland, August 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17.  Based on USSF for working with U6-U12; cost $675   d.      E: Windsor ES Arnold MD – August 23 & 24   e.       The association will try again to bring in the National Youth Modules.   7.      Equipment Report (David)   a.       Equipment ready at goal moving on Saturday July 26.   8.      Merchandise (Harry)   a.       Merchandise for pickup during Kick-Off Week and coaches’ meetings.   9.      Field Maintenance (David)   a.       The fields are ready for play, but there is some unevenness to grass growth.   b.      The Hi-Cal fertilizer laid in the Spring killed [burned] the existing grass.  The filler Bermuda grass is thriving though.  Jessie form the Eastern Shore is looking at the fields and assisting the association.  Might try Texas Blue next June to see if it does better.   c.       Aeration in September, seeding last week in October.   10.  Goal Maintenance (David)   a.       David W. will re-attach the J-hooks with better cabling before start of games.   b.      The 4v4 goals will need some repairs, clips and pins.   11.  FC Frederick (David)   a.       There have been merger talks to expand and elevate both programs.  This will give players a clean path from recreation to competitive soccer, and tap into a larger group of experienced, licensed coaches.  There are a lot of concerns about the fee structure, travel to practice locations, and “children friendly” atmosphere for the young and new to soccer.   b.      David W. – neighborhood and community aspect of current program is very important.  The rec part must be available and accessible.  This has potential to expand FCF base that is fractured today by the many local programs.  Looking at the national scene to see other examples of mergers.   c.       David G. – consider a Director of Coaching position in USA to elevate the coaching level as an alternative.   d.      Herbert A. – very concerned about the local identity.  The competitive path will advance but rec may suffer.  An “absorption” or “takeover” result could mean a loss of voice for the local community.  Can there be an affiliation or closeness with out absorption?  There is the potential for another “USA” if the community is dissatisfied, ultimately defeating the goals of the merger.   e.       Mark K. – The exposure to a higher level of soccer is good.  Past experience has been mixed – 3 previous players went to FCF, 2 left the program.  2 new players are going.   f.        Harry H. – FCF and USA are different worlds.  How will the transition impact the current community?   g.       John G. – FCF requires the commitment of both players and parents.  High level of play is impressive, comparing daughter to her friends.   h.       Quentin D. – The neighborhood aspect of the current program is a plus.  Travel to other sites may be a difficult thing for families.   i.         Next meeting in August   12.  Soccer Camps (David)   a.       Kick-Off Week ("mandatory" for U10/12/14) - July 28-August 1   13.  UHS Nights (David)   a.       Need a volunteer to organize (U12 D1 teams introduced with varsity)   14.  Summer Pickup Games (David)   a.       Adults can continue to play until school starts if they want.   15.  Goal Moving (David)   a.       Saturday July 26 at 10A at shed on Lower Field.   16.  U12 - 8v8 (David)   a.       This is new for U12s and may be difficult for teams with smaller rosters.     17.  Fall Play Days (David)   a.       Dutch 4v4 Saturday August 23                                                    i.      U8       10:00A                                                  ii.      U10     12:00N                                                 iii.      U12     2:00P                                                iv.      U14     4:00P                                                  v.      Open    6:00P   b.      Play Day with some LUYAA teams Sunday August 24 (all U8+ teams)   18.  Mandatory U8+ Coaches Meeting (David)   a.       Tuesday August 19 at 7:15 at Urbana Regional Library   b.      Referee fees checks will be available; same amount as last season   c.       Remember to contact all players and parents.   19.  New business (All)   a.       !!! Sponsors !!! – We are in need of team sponsors.  Please check your local businesses.  The cost is $500 for the year, Fall 2008 and Spring 2009 seasons.   20.  The meeting was adjourned at 8:55P.