Over the past year Washington State Soccer Association (WSYSA) has implemented numerous changes to the structure of premier select soccer programs throughout our state.  

GU15-18 Changed Last Year
The first change happened in June of 2007 when the GU15 -18 fall season was switched to February 2008. This switch was made after teams were formed for the 2007/2008 season.  So, the current GU15-18 teams formed in March of 2007 and will not disband until state cup play is over in May of 2008.  Therefore, these teams will have existed for 15 months as opposed to the usual 12 months.  

All Other Teams Change in 2008/09
The state has mandated June tryouts for all premier soccer teams by the 2009/2010 season.  Which means the teams currently forming (BU 10-18 and GU 10-15) will not tryout again until June.   

We Are Not Alone
It is important to realize that these changes are not unique to FC Alliance.  All premier select clubs have implemented these changes.  It has been a difficult task to execute these changes with the time restrictions and short notices received from the state level.

Flat Fee Plan / ACH direct payment
Currently, most select clubs (including volleyball, baseball and basketball) use or are seeking a flat fee/direct payment plan.  Even though families are aware of their financial responsibilities to their team and club, we realized that our system was antiquated, and put a burden on Team Treasurer parent/volunteers to collect these fees. The direct payment plan will ensure the timely and proper collection of these fees.   The formula is (total club cost ÷ number of estimated players), with a reduced fee for the new U11 Developmental teams, and a one-year adjustment to the GU16-18 teams for the 2008-09 season.  

To implement the ACH direct Payment system, it was mandatory we streamline our fee structure.  As the process became a reality, it was evident the old system (coach fees/team roster) would no longer work.  It is important to realize that our previous coach fee collection was a regressive method.  It was not fair or just for most players.  Teams with a small roster paid significantly more than teams with a full roster. To be fair and equitable to all FC Alliance players, a flat coach fee is a must.

The 2008/2009 FC Alliance fee structure and payment plan is all inclusive.  It includes FC Alliance Club fees, NYSA fees and coach fees.  It does not include individual team expenses or uniforms. Traditionally, our contract for uniforms runs three years.  Our current contract is expiring and therefore, new uniforms are required this year.   We are also changing our jersey colors to Blue & White.

How does it compare to prior year?
There are only two notable items in the upcoming FC Alliance budget.  First, due to the requirements mandated by WSYSA and the PDL, we realized the need to employ our Administrative Assistant full time.  Second, there were changes made in the Director of Coaching budget.

The Pay Plan – How it works
$420.00 is due March 1st during on-line registration and will be applied towards the all inclusive payment.  This amount includes the entire NYSA fee and almost 2 months of the FC Alliance Club fee.  This amount is required because it will take time to implement the direct deposits.  The U11 and U12 teams are forming in February but the first direct payment won’t start until April 1st.  Payments can be debited to a checking or savings account or a credit card.  

As in the past, FC Alliance is offering a $50.00 sibling discount and scholarships to all qualifying players. However, do to tryouts being spread out from February to May; we will have to wait until after the May tryouts to finalize all the sibling discounts and issue refunds at that time.

The $100.00 due at team formations goes directly to the team account to cover individual team expenses such as tournament and league fees.  This is the same amount suggested as last season.

As Board Members, it is our pleasure to serve our players and families.  We feel the flat fee/direct payment plan is the best way to ensure financial equality for all our players.  Through our team representatives and website, we strived to keep our parents informed to all the changes.  If questions still remain, please feel free to contact a Board member through our FC Alliance website.