President’s Report

2006-2007 will likely be remembered for the foul weather. From November through mid-January Lochside Park was available only periodically due to poor field conditions and almost one-third of games and practices were lost. However when the inclement weather relented, our soccer teams did remarkably well so it is hoped that 2006-2007 will also be remembered for its several team and individual highlights.

Once again it was our U13 Girls Gold leading the way. They swept aside all and sundry in their league before dispatching Nanaimo United at the Island Championships. A couple of weeks later they added the Island Invitational Cup Trophy and it is hoped they can add a Provincial Championship this coming July in Richmond. It is eveident we’re doing something right as this was the fifth time in recent years that our U13 Girls have captured the Island Championships!

We also had a successful year at the LISA District Cup with six teams appearing in the finals held at Windsor Park. The U13 Boys Gold, U15 Boys Silver and U15 Boys Bronze all worthy winners, however the girls weren’t quite as fortunate with narrow losses for each the U14 Silver, U16 Silver and U17 Silver squads.

In league play it was a case of near misses with the U13 Boys Gold, U15 Boys Silver, U17 Boys Gold and U17 Girls Silver all going desperately close to winning their respective leagues. If it had been any other season I’m sure one or more of these teams would have been crowned league champions. Regardless each of them should be proud of their achievements and it is hoped they all go one better next season. Our Euros and Minis teams also enjoyed very successful seasons so the future for our club continues to be a positive one. Congratulations to all players and coaches for their efforts this past season.

Another positive from 2006-07 was the significant increase in both youth and adult player registrations. On the youth side there was a 10% increase in registrations, while the number of adults playing soccer at the club more than doubled with the addition of two women’s and one men’s team. This brought the total number of players registered in the club to 515 – very likely an all-time high.

By all accounts the 2007 World Cups Festival was a huge success, in part due to some great opening day weather and the overall high standard of play, but also as a result of the hard-work from the new organizing committee. This year the format of the tournament was changed so as to allow each team four games over a three-day period and this also was viewed positively.

Further important developments came in the form of news of approval from the Municipality of Saanich for the changing of the playing surface from natural to turf. Now that this hurdle has been jumped the hard work really begins in earnest as fund-raising and planning activities get into full swing with the hope we can have a turf ready for the 2008-2009 season.

Finally, no Presidents Report can be complete without a mention of the many significant contributions of the Board of Directors. Once again, several directors distinguished themselves so on behalf of the club I wish to thank them all for their enthusiasm and efforts. I must also thank those directors leaving the Board at the end of 2006-07 season – Chris Graham, Rainer Lucas and Loree Elder – for their contributions to the club over the past number of years.

Yours,

Drew Smyth
President
Cordova Bay Soccer Club