TO: Canadian Soccer Clubs
FROM: Canada Club Soccer Founding Members
DATE: January 24, 2007
SUBJECT: FORMATION OF "CANADA CLUB SOCCER"
Dear Canadian Soccer Club,
Over the past few months, there have been some discussions amongst some elite youth soccer clubs on topics surrounding the state of youth soccer and player development in Canada. These discussions have led to the announcement of the establishment of an advocacy group to influence the governance of the sport, which we have named "Canada Club Soccer". This group will provide a forum to focus on advancing and supporting the concerns and views of the clubs directly to the various governing associations in Canadian soccer.
These concerns, and in some cases frustrations, are focused around the direction of the sport at the elite youth level and the process of how governing associations make decisions that effect the growth and development of soccer clubs in Canada. Over the past decade clubs have evolved to become more established, and in some cases businesses that have spent a considerable amount of time, finances, and provided many resources in an effort to elevate the sport in our country. The limitations and regulations placed on clubs by governing associations at the District, Provincial, and CSA levels have often proved to be impediments to many clubs that want to have the freedoms to further develop their clubs, and establish new programs for players and coaches. Too much governance imposed on soccer clubs has become a detrimental factor to taking the game to new levels.
It is evident that clubs need to come together and discuss the crucial issues in order to actively advocate changes that are necessary for the future of the sport. It is not the intent of this group to create a competing organization to the Canadian Soccer Association or the Provincial Associations, but to serve as an organization to put forward our views with the various governing bodies on positive changes that will truly foster the growth and development of the sport at all levels. It is also about establishing the rights of clubs, players, and coaches to make decisions that are in the best interest of their programs and providing improved opportunities for players. It should be the inherent right of those with established clubs, and those that have invested time, resources, and in some cases money in the sport to have a platform to express what direction and decisions are best for the sport of soccer in this country.
Many of us share common issues with the structure and governance of the sport. We would all like less governance over our organizations to provide the flexibility needed to expand the reach of our programs. It is our belief that we will have a strong voice through strength in numbers to influence positive change in the direction of the game.
Prior to sending this release, we have spoken with the Canadian Soccer Association President, Colin Linford. He was supportive of the concept and believed that this would provide an excellent platform for clubs to construct ideas and concepts on bettering the sport in Canada. We see this as a positive first step forward for the clubs and believe that the CSA will take a proactive approach with our organization to better understand the need for governance and technical reform for clubs in Canada.
We ask that your club give considerable thought about becoming a pioneer member of Canada Club Soccer. It is not going to cost you anything, but it will require expenses to attend our first gathering. We have tentatively planned a club symposium from April 14-15, 2007 in Toronto to discuss the issues each of us face including those surrounding our sport at the national level. We will also develop a consensus on the next steps our organization will take, and prioritize our objectives. It is our goal to bring the top 60-80 clubs together throughout the country to participate in this symposium.
If you would like to offer us your opinions or ideas on the establishment of this advocacy group, become a member, or receive information about the symposium, please contact info@canadaclubsoccer.com or visit our web site at www.canadaclubsoccer.com .
Yours in Soccer,
Canada Club Soccer Founding Members
Barry Crocker
Abbotsford Mariners (BC)
Bob Lenarduzzi
Vancouver Whitecaps (BC)
Andrew Latham
Kelowna United (BC)
John Pugh
Ottawa Fury (ON)
Bruno Hartrell
Toronto Lynx (ON)
Chris Fraser
Calgary Wildfire (AB)
Barry White
Edmonton Force (AB)
Shaun Lowther
Calgary Celtic, Calgary Titans, Calgary West (AB)
Kevin Bannister
Lethbridge United (AB)
