Recently there has been a leaflet making the rounds in Ontario. It is about the Youth Soccer League of Ontario, a league for all those that want us to man up and keep standings in u-4 leagues. Because character. Or Something.
Anyway, they asked for the information to be distributed. So, distribute it I will.
Of course they didn't say I couldn't FJM it.
Youth Soccer League of Ontario
Winning....and losing....builds character....
(Me: See, CHARCTER!)
The Executive Committee (Me: i.e. One guy that is losing money because the OSA is insisting on actually following development standards), YSLO (Me: Am I the only one that always reads this as 'YOLO'?) wishes to take this opportunity to express appreciation to the 2014 Members who chose to participate in the YSLO. You were strong minded and 'stepped forward' whilst others chose to wait and see (Me: You heard them. The true heros of Canadian soccer are the rebels fighting to keep the status quo that helped us lose 8-1 in Honduras)....if YSLO would operate (Me: Operated unsanctioned). Teams played, experienced and capable Referees officiated and fields were available (Me: BREAKING: Municipalities will, in fact, rent fields to those willing to pay for them) and, all parties were more than adequately insured (Me: wellll...more like no one got hurt, thankfully, so the insurance wasn't tested) contrary to all that was 'misstated with negative intent' by individuals who incorrectly claim that a player CANNOT be a part of any other soccer organization if that player wishes to attain a 'higher level'. (Me: If by 'higher level' they mean “Future U-Sector beer league second round draft pick” then they are bang on. Plesae note that I was once a USIL second round pick. They made a huge mistake) Life is about choices (Me: Indeed, it is. For instance I'm choosing to FJM this)....and YSLO is moving forward....
YSLO is already operating, into the 2015 Outdoor Season, on a very positive and constructive basis, with many more opportunities being available for Members - Players, Coaches and Families, here in Canada as well as in the USA and Worldwide (Me: Examples? Or is demonstrating things only for those that lack character earned by losing 11-2 in a u-4 game?) .
2015 League Applications have already started to be received and are now available for teams to submit - copy attached (Me: Don't forget to attach the cheque).
Note....YSLO teams play for Results/Standings and Awards....and as stated....winning and losing builds character....and awareness as to life and life skills.... (Me: DAMN THOSE HIPPY FREAKS AND THEIR 'RESEARCH' ON HOW TO DEVELOP PLAYERS!!1!!!!!!!)
Pursuant to the recent Advisory Committee Meeting, the format of scheduling and several administrative procedures have been streamlined and improved to facilitate Member teams in this process.
Highlighted items identified at the recent Advisory Committee Meeting:
- All games will be scheduled at approximately 6 field complexes, in various parts of the Province - at this time 11 areas have been identified, and these will be 'short listed', pending receipt of applications, to ascertain final locations based on geographic areas of teams. (Full list of areas from which 6 will be selected is attached). Games will once again be played on Weekends, with a break in the schedule during the second half of July, to allow for Family vacations/camps etc..
- League fee (Me: Again, make sure those cheques are attached) will include:
1. team league entry
2. insurance for players (Me: Could we see some more info about this insurance?), coaches, team executive, referees and your training field
3. YSLO passes for players and team officials
4. field costs for games scheduled by YSLO
5. referees fees for games scheduled by YSLO
- Deadline for submission of applications is January 15, 2015 ( a discount is available if application and full fee is remitted by December 15, 2014)
- Teams will be assigned into tiered Divisions based on past records, as available, or as can be determined by the Executive Committee, YSLO
- In keeping with the predominant participation of teams in USA Tournaments/Showcases - the birth dates to be used in determining age groups in the YSLO league is the August 1st cut-off (as in the US). (If teams wish to still use the Calendar basis - January 1st - December 31st - this is acceptable) (Me: Just make sure the cheque is attached. We'll sort the rest out. It's not like we're sanctioned or something). Therefore as an example - Under 11 will be born August 1, 2003 or later/Under 12 will be born August 1, 2002 or later (i.e. Aug/Sept/Oct/Nov/Dec, 2002, Jan/Feb/Mar/Apr/May/Jun/July, 2003 etc.) - see attached application
- YSLO will accept single teams and teams from Academies/Schools of Excellence and Clubs. (Players registered with OSA based organizations are also eligible to form teams and participate as YSLO plays on Weekends as compared to the majority of OSA based league games being scheduled during the week) (Me: Parents might want to check the OSA's opinion on this one)
YSLO Tournaments: - play for Results/Awards including MVP and 'Golden Boot' (as applicable)
- June 6/7 - Simcoe County Challenge - Girls/Boys Under 8 - 18 inclusive (Me: It's well known that the Simcoe County Challenge u-8 Golden Boot is one of the world's most prestigious tropies)
- June 26 - 28 - Niagara Elite International Cup - Girls/Boys Under 8 - 18 inclusive
- July 25/26 - York Region - Stouffville Cup - Girls/Boys Under 8 - 18 inclusive
- September 4 - 6 - Essex County North American Cup - Girls/Boys Under 8 - 18 inclusive
NOTE - Dates/locations for the YSLO Champions Cup - tba - this is the Ontario championships (Me: Is it? Really?) in ages Under 11 - 18 Girls/Boys leading to eligibility into the US Champions Cup to be held during the Fall, 2015, in the USA (Me: America!).
Top ranked YSLO teams have already been invited and are participating in high level (Me: So, name them) US Tournaments/Showcases (Me: Im sure those showcases were free, right?)for 2014/2015
Me: If you are terrified by change and think Canadian soccer is doing just fine right now then by all means sign up for this glorified house league. Otherwise going with the people actually trying to fix the system and to enforce standards. Even if you don't get a plastic trophy.