25 July 2006
To: All Players, Parents, Coaches and Members
From: Steven Heider, President, Lorain City Soccer Association
I would like to begin by introducing myself. I was born and raised in Lorain and began playing soccer for this organization. I went on to play soccer in high school for Lorain Catholic. After high school, I served for six years in the U.S. Navy. During this time, I married my wife Angela (also a Lorain native) and my son Austin was born. In 1998 we returned to Lorain; I became a Lorain Firefighter and soon after a youth soccer coach! Since returning to this organization, I have coached teams ages 5 – 13. Four of my teams have qualified for the Lorain County Play-offs. We have been Champions twice and Runners-up once. When I first began coaching, I never would have imagined that I would still be doing it eight years later. I really love this organization and the sport that we bring to the children of Lorain! Soccer is a sport for everyone, no matter your age or state. This is evident the World over, so I propose that our motto be;
“Lorain City Soccer Association, a place for everyone!”
I am writing this letter in an effort to support parity and fairness at all levels of this association and to clarify our roles as members. This Association is responsible for providing the sport of soccer to the children of Lorain. One of the methods that we use is the “Peanuts Program”. This program is intended to introduce soccer to our very youngest members and is run entirely within the city and association. We also use “in house” teams for members that are over the age of five. Currently this association only has “in house” teams at the U6 and U7 age groups. The Lorain City Soccer Association provides teams, training and a lot of fun for over 300 of Lorain’s children. The majority of these children play on teams that are entered into the Lorain County Soccer League. Please, go to www.loraincountysoccer.org and read more about the league. All of the teams and programs that I have mentioned thus far are in place for the purpose of providing soccer at a recreational level to all children. Our association will also participate in and provide teams for the two competitive leagues in our area, the American Amateur Soccer League and the Northern Ohio Girls Soccer League. Teams participating in these leagues are formed through the tryout and selection process. It is the hope of this association to have more teams representing Lorain in these leagues in the near future.
Many of you may experience a shift in the perceived norms this coming season. This could mean that your child has been moved to a different team or even a different age group. The LCSA has experienced a lot of growth recently and we are making every effort to create the finest soccer encounter possible for each child. Coaches could find that their team is remaining at the age level that they played at in the 2005/2006 season or the addition of new players to their roster. These changes are being made solely in the name of development! Developing a lifelong soccer interest in the child regardless of level of play is our primary objective. Developing players capable of engaging in soccer at even the highest levels is a goal we will strive for. Developing teams that strive for high quality play is eminent.
Keeping in mind that our association is only as good as its volunteers! I would like each and every one of you to please be as active as you can. Your patience and support is also requested during this time of transition. A system of development is being put in place and each and every player will benefit as a result. Though it may feel uncomfortable for those of you who have been with us for some time, please keep in mind that we have the greater good of the association members in mind.
See you on the pitch!
Steven Heider