INTRODUCTION AND WELCOME (David Rice, Club President)
Welcome to all of our returning players and parents as we begin a new season. A special welcome to our new players, parents and coaches as you join the Portage Soccer Club. With 20 teams and nearly 250 players we are one of the largest soccer clubs in the West Michigan Youth Soccer Association. It is the largest non-profit soccer club in southwest Michigan.
Tonight's meeting is our annual clubwide meeting! We hope it is a convenient forum as we build a sense of community, communication and camaraderie in our club. The operation and smooth running of the club requires the efforts and contributions of many dedicated volunteers. I want to take this opportunity to introduce your Board of Directors, several of whom will be speaking during tonight's program (please stand).
Treasurer: Tom Mellinger
Secretary: Mark Duncan
VP of Coaches: Mark Murray & Vu Le
VP of Uniforms/Concessions: Sean Bowser
VP of Communications: Norm Jansen
VP of Fundraising: Bill Restivo
Registrar: Dana Pope
League Representative: Mike Prior
Fields Manager: Gordon Groves
Parent Representatives: Tammie Lewis & Shawn L'Esperance
Our parent representatives are your main contacts for any comments, concerns or questions about the operation of our club. Each representative will be responsible for 5 to 6 teams. Don't be surprised if you receive a call from a representative asking your thoughts and opinions. Of course, you are always welcome to contact any Board member or attend our monthly Board meetings. (See the calendar on the website for specific dates).
The clubwide portion of our meeting will take approximately 45 minutes. Individual team meetings to kick off the fall season will follow.
MISSION
The Portage
Soccer Club was incorporated in 1991, only 18 years ago. Our mission is to promote
the sport of soccer in our community through the development of our youth soccer
players. Our players comprise some of the best talent in our area; many of our
players participate on our high school teams. Former players have and are making
their mark in many college programs! We have had a player on the 2004 and 2008
women's Olympic teams, and national team player, a player who became the number
1 draft pick of the MLS Colorado Rapids team (see Jacob Peterson; the newest
addition on our wall of fame), a player who was the 2006 Gatorade National Player
of the Year and a 2010 MLS draft choice and in 2009, Miss Soccer here in Michigan.
While it is appropriate to celebrate these success stories I like to think that
the club's success is due to the many players who wear our uniform. These are
the players who come to us from the AYSO program (recognize AYSO leadership
- Matt Galer, Craig Evans, Jerry Orwin & Steve Branch). For some the PSC
may be an intermediate stop on their way to even higher levels of soccer. Some
players may spend their entire soccer careers with us. Others move on to play
for their high school or even college team. In all cases the PSC was there during
their developmental years.
Our teams compete at the highest levels - premier, elite and WMYSA select. During the 2009-2010 season the following teams won honors in premier elite or WMYSA select leagues:
| U-9 Boys B |
5-1-2
|
| U-11 Girls B |
6-2-0
|
| U-13 Boys Premier |
7-1-0
|
| U-13 Boys White |
5-2-1
|
| U-15 Boys |
6-1-1
|
| U-16 Girls |
4-2-2
|
| U-19 Boys |
6-1-1
|
The soccer operation of the club is our first and primary responsibility. However, our vision has grown over the years. First, in 2001 the club assumed operation of the Portage Soccer Classic which celebrated its 24th tournament earlier this month.
Congratulations to the following teams who were champions or finalists this year (please stand):
| U-9 Boys | U-13 Boys Green | U-16 Boys |
| U-10 Boys White | U-13 Boys White | U-18 Boys |
| U-12 Boys Green | U-14 Girls Green |
Second, in 2002 we opened the Portage Soccer Complex, a 9 field complex recognized as one of the finest soccer venues in the state.
Third, in 2008 the PSC opened its dedicated practice facility with 5 fields and more to come.
Finally, a small group of dedicated volunteers maintain the soccer complex.
I mention these projects to impress upon you that this club is an all volunteer army and we need more recruits. Tonight if you have not already done so you will meet your team coaches, all of whom are volunteers. Each team will need to select a team manager. There are and will be many opportunities to volunteer your time and expertise to the club. Please respond positively when you are asked.
Introduction of Speakers
Closing Remarks
Describe logistics for individual team meetings.