President’s Mid-Year Report
02.03.2022
In the past I have supplied an end of the year annual report. However, there is so much happening it is appropriate to supply a mid-year report this season. The report covers items related to my role as CSO president since the last annual report was published. Items related directly to our competitive program will be forthcoming in a DOC mid-year report.
CSO is a community oriented public service non-profit organization. As such those we serve—players, parents, coaches, supporters, etc.—are our #1 priority. It is important that you stay informed of what is happening within the organization. For simplicity’s sake I am presenting this as a series of points. As always, I am happy to answer any questions.
1.RECREATIONAL SOCCER
By every measure CSO’s 2021 recreational program was a huge success. Final recreational soccer numbers are in, and the final count is a bit lower than the estimate of 630. According to Tenita the final registered and non-refunded total was 598. This still represents a 244 registration increase over 2020 rec numbers. Thank you to Jessica Tackett, Roger Short, and everyone who helped make this important program such a success.
I was happy to write the grant that secured continued sponsorship from Dick’s Sporting Goods for our recreational soccer program. This helps us supply equipment to rec coaches including balls, cones, etc.
All dates for 2022 recreational soccer have been determined and are published.
2. ADULT SOCCER
Adult registration is complete with 108 registered. This is down just slightly from 2021 when we had 114. A couple former teams did not form this year. So, the good news is we had a LOT of new players. There are 9 teams. The schedule is final and posted. An adult soccer jamboree will be hosted on the weekend of May 15th. We are also introducing our “match of the week” special event and announcing a “Player of the Week” from each team involved.
3. U8 DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
U8 Development Program is fully registered with 31 players and four coaches working with the program. Coach gear and jerseys have been ordered and delivered. Cadence is sponsoring the program with a $1000 sponsorship.
We have three new coaches working with the program as well as one returning coach. I have worked with all the new coaches to get them Safe Sport certified, background checked, and licensed. All coaches completed the following with me: a. Zoom orientation to the U8 Development program, b. CSO coach orientation session, c. required local coaching development session on “Implementing a System of Training Efficiency”
4.TOP Soccer
TOP did not “make” in fall of 2021 after two successful years after its return in 2019. Myself and the two principle coaches had a meeting in the fall to discuss issues related to low registration and the principle cause seemed to be concern over the Covid Delta variant among this vulnerable population.
Staff of TOP also met with the Commercial Dispatch at their request to do an article about the program. It was published in the Dispatch 11/29. Myself, Evans Dawson, and Addie Ambrosier represented CSO at the Autism Resource Council Family Fair on Saturday 1/29 to provide information regarding TOP Soccer.
We are excited that TOP will be back in fall 2022 and all dates are now published.
5. FCS TOURNAMENT
Our local tournament is back for 2022 after relaunching in 2021. It was canceled in 2020 due to Covid. Tournament registration is very health with approximately 70 teams registered. The tournament will be held 2/12-2/13 and utilize the entire Lowndes County Soccer Complex. Thank you to tournament direct Jason Spears and all those on the tournament committee for all the hard work on the 2022 tournament.
6. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS
-Very happy to be working with Randy Francisco to make upgrades to the webpage. We have added a CSO award winner’s page: CSO Award Winners | Columbus Soccer Organization (columbusmssoccer.org)
– I am currently working with Randy to add a separate page for our U8 Development Program and to significantly update and approve the coaching resource/development page for all coaches.
– I have added a new online calendar for CSO. Again, thanks to Randy for helping get this up and going. It is currently being updated on a month to month basis for training and has all important CSO dates going forward. Upcoming Events – Columbus Soccer Organization (columbusmssoccer.org)
– The board is continuing to investigate opportunities to develop an indoor or all-weather facility. Register families will be receiving a survey to complete soon so that we can consider your views on the issue.