It's hard to believe, but spring outdoor is just around the the corner.  The registration deadline date to sign a team up for spring outdoor is March 4th.  Our research for synthetic turf has been very interesting to say the least.  There are many varieites out there and sifting through all the information does take time.  However, when we decide which compamy will be selected after the bid process, many will be impressed with the product that we will install on Cooper # 1.  There are a number of turf samples in my office.  If you would like to look at the samples and offer comments, please make arrangements with me directly. 

     With the opening Overland Park (Kansas) Soccer Complex last fall, we knew there would be some impact on our tournament events hosted here in Springfield.  That impact is now becoming very, very apparent.  For those who don't know, Overland Park (KS) Parks & Recreation department, through an approved sales tax from hotels and motels in the area, developed a $36 million athletics facility which included twelve (12) synthetic turf soccer fields, with lights, office space for the parks department soccer operations and Blue Valley Soccer Club, plus a concession stand, workout/rehab training facility and other amenities within the complex.  This facility will host the 2010 US Youth Soccer National Championship Series Finals:  Youth Nationals in July.

     What does this mean for Springfield & Lake Country Soccer?  It means that we are at a severe disadvantage in being able to attract teams to our tournaments now.  The allure of an event on synthetic turf is quite attractive.  Fewer teams in our tournaments translates into fewer hotel rooms which translates into lower sales taxes collected from area hotel & motels and also means lower sales taxes collected from tourists' purchases and food & beverage purchases.  Moreso, it means a projected $20-$35,000 loss of tournament revenue that we have enjoyed in past years.  I have called for a special FORUM to meet with the leaders of our largest cluster of teams to begin conversations on how we can, collectively, best combat this situation.  This does affect all teams and individuals using Lake Country Soccer.  At some point in the very near future, we will schedule other open forums so that coaches and parents will have an opportunity to participate in the planning process.

     As always, your thoughts, opinions and concerns are welcomed.  Don't hesitate to send me an email;  kelly@lakecountrysoccer.org.  

     I have added links to previous monthly messages below.  That way, you can always go back in time to check out what I've written about in the past. 

For the good of the game,