BETHEL PARK SOCCER ASSOCIATION

Parents/Coaches Meeting – August 12, 2003

The monthly meeting of the Bethel Park Soccer Association (BPSA) was called to order at 8:00pm in the Council Room of the Bethel Park Municipal Building. Present were Terry Bove, Mark Bowman, Richard Chongaway, Bill Harvey, Jack Kun, Stan Sbei, Russ Spicuzza, Tom Vater, Mark Vescovi, Theresa Vescovi, Brian Wassel, John Waterstram and Eric Young. Also present were the girls’ varsity coach, Kelly Mahalko and junior varsity coach, Michelle Malatesta, goalie coach, Bill Weimer and assistant coach Jenna Danali.

Guest Speakers: Representatives from the Bethel Park girls’ junior and senior varsity soccer teams proposed a joint mentoring program called “Soccer Sisters”, between the high school girls and younger girls in the flight program. Some specifics of the program would include having a high school player matched up with two or three younger girls. These mentors would attend one or two flight games, invite them to a high school game and provide free tickets to that game. Mentors could provide soccer tips, guidance and support to developing players. This is a very promising upcoming program and more details will follow. Ms. Mahalko has also offered to hold free clinics during the winter. Anyone interested can contact her directly or send an email through the soccer boosters website (http://www.bethelparksoccer.net)

Bill Harvey suggested a “Flight Night”, where one flight would be encouraged to come to a girls soccer game. They could play a small-sided game during halftime and could serve as ball-kids during the game.

John Waterstram also spoke at the meeting. John offered a fundraising opportunity through American Express. AE will donate $25.00 for every BPSA member that sits down with them for one hour to discuss financial planning.

Treasurer’s Report: Jack Kun advised of a current account balance of $15,031.06. All flight and travel jersey costs have been paid. A down payment was placed for numbering and patches. Travel registration has been paid. PA West flight registration still needs paid and the referee checks need to be dispersed.

Gary Lefever from the Recreation office has agreed to forward $25.00 per registered player in advance. Jack advised that the checking balance is healthy and on target at this point. Mark Vescovi will place a copy of the approved budget on the website.

President’s Report: Terry advised of a Challenge Grant opportunity which was processed and submitted for $18,000.00 for a scoreboard at Park Avenue field. The matching funds would be matched with football and lacrosse groups. Discussion was held that while we are fiscally able to make this contribution of matching funds, concern was raised that a scoreboard is not in our best interests. Funds are needed more to develop better quality fields and equipment, rather than a scoreboard. Further discussion led to a recommendation that Park Avenue be designated a “game only” field. Motion passed to participate in the challenge grant. Terry advised that he would take the “game only field designation” request back to the football and lacrosse groups and advise of our position.

Coach/Player Development: Stan Sbei advised that he is continuing is “1,000 touches” training sessions every Wednesday from 6:00 to 7:00 at Millenium. Immediately following, he is holding goalie training sessions from 7:00 to 8:00 for girls and boys. Stan also advised coaches to look at this month’s Touchline article concerning ACL injuries. Coaches can go to http://www.ACLprevent.com to download protocol for ACL injury prevention.

Registration: Tom Vater advised that 489 players registered for the fall flight program and 143 registered for travel. These numbers remain consistent with last year’s numbers. Tom Vater and Mark Bowman met with the travel commissioner and all rosters are in line.

PR/Fundraising: Russ advised that picture days will be on September 20-21. Photos will be taken at flights and times will be given to all travel team coaches. Bruce Bros. Tire will once again be participating in a fundraiser for Bethel Park Soccer. Uniroyal and Bruce Bros. Tire will donate $2.00 for every tire they sell to the general public from 9/15/03 to 10/15/03. Certificates for free soccer balls will also be distributed to our players. (Please see the press release on our website for more information.)

Website: Mark asked that if anyone has any digital pictures from flights, travel games or tournament games, please send them to him at mvescovi@adelphia.net. Mark also reminded all officers that they should develop descriptions of their responsibilities in the Association in order to help people interested in helping out with those positions.

Equipment: The new jerseys look great!!! They are in the process of having the numbers put on the backs. Jerseys will be ready for the new season. Jack Kun advised that coaches may buy goalie gloves for their team and submit the receipt to Jack for reimbursement. Eric Young questioned how many sets of corner flags are currently accounted for. Following discussion, decision was made to purchase one more set of corner flags.

Flights: September 6^th is the first day of flights. Bill Harvey advised that the following have agreed to serve as flight commissioners for the upcoming year: Flight 1, Bill Harvey; Flight 2, Jan Zekany; Flight 3, Don Snyder; Flight 4, Dan Saffer; Flight 5 Boys, Mark Vescovi; Flight 5 Girls, Terry Bove. Please consult the website for dates, times and fields of all flights.

PLEASE NOTE: VILLAGE GREEN IS CURRENTLY OUT OF USE FOR THE FLIGHT PROGRAM. PLEASE CHECK THE WEBSITE TO SEE WHERE YOUR FLIGHT WILL BE LOCATED.

Bill will again be hosting a coaches clinic on August 22-23. Bill will have an MLS coach demonstrate age-appropriate drills. Coaching manuals will be handed out to all new coaches.

Dan Saffer, the Flight 4 Commissioner, has requested to hold a clinic on the first week of Flight 4. Dan is concerned that last year one or two teams seemed to become “stacked” with too many stronger players. Since placement on teams has traditionally been random, Dan is trying to evenly balance the teams by giving a basic skills assessment on the first week of flights. This will be done informally with flight coaches conducting different drills at “stations”. This will also be a great way to refresh kids’ soccer skills from last spring.

Bill Harvey also suggested that during the younger flights, half of the flight will do practice drills with the MLS coach and the other half will play a game. Midway through, the kids will switch.

Travel: Please check website for updated lists of current travel teams and coaches. If any coach has a question on how to update their schedules on the website, please send Mark Vescovi an email at mvescovi@adelphia.net.

Camps: Terry Bove reported that 35 kids attended the BP MLS camp. Several travel teams have also booked MLS for team camps.

Fields: Brian Wassel advised that the U-11 field size has changed. Discussion held on what age groups should play on which fields. Brian asked that the travel coaches call him as soon as possible to let him know their schedules. He will then call Bethany Bowman to arrange for referees.

Community Day: Theresa Vescovi advised that Community Day will be held on September 13^th. Theresa asked all travel coaches to request volunteer parents from their teams to help out with the booth. This is a great way to get to know other soccer moms and dads in Bethel Park! If you can help out for an hour on the 13^th, please call Theresa Vescovi at 412-833-8219.

Monthly Meeting: The next Bethel Park Soccer Association meeting will be held at 8:00 PM on September 9, 2003, at the Municipal Building. EVERYONE IS WELCOME AND ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND THE MEETINGS. It is always great to see new faces. Please make a point to attend at least one Soccer Association meeting this year!!!