November 9, 2007



To all Club members,
 
The time lapse between my letters is decreasing at an alarming rate but a lot has transpired in the last week.  The Board of Directors (BOD), through the use of posted
meeting minutes and my letters, has attempted to be as transparent as possible.  At the same time, there are sensitive issues that must remain confidential to our group for various reasons.  There is no practical way for the BOD to appease everyone’s wishes or publically disclose all facets of our decisions.  As such, we simply request your continued confidence in your BOD to do what is best for the Club.
 
With that said, the BOD has once again been faced with a difficult situation.  Stuart Saunders has resigned as Director of Coaching.  The BOD has accepted said resignation.  Stuart is a long time staff member that has been instrumental in the development of this Club.  The membership should always remember that his efforts helped forge a new approach to youth soccer in Spokane resulting in a high-level club that is recognized even at the National level.  The BOD will soon be meeting with the staff members to address/discuss the resultant short-term void in our organization.  In the meantime, please direct any questions/concerns to the BOD’s email address (spokaneshadowbod@yahoo.com) or simply talk to us face-to-face if the opportunity presents itself.
 
Given all of the bumps, big and small, along the road, the ‘new’ Club has actually made it through to this point.  It has taken a lot of patience, trust and effort on everyone’s part to do it but somehow it happened.  To be perfectly honest, I truly had one simple goal for 2007 as BOD President...for the Club to survive and operate while the players continue playing, enjoying and developing.  I believe this has happened because we somehow never lost sight of our true focus...the player.  We are not here to champion the cause for a parent’s or staff’s agenda, but rather for each individual player’s overall experience in the Club.
 
Now for the proverbial GOOD NEWS...the BOD interviewing three very qualified ‘Club Director’ candidates this week.   Their visit will be augmented by the following:
 
• Candidates will be staying at the Davenport Hotel due to a discounted rate sponsored by its General Manager, Lynelle Caudill (Hannah, GU12).
• Candidates will enjoy Heroes & Legends’ certificate courtesy of a donation by its Owner, Vern Hare.
 
The BOD wish to thank these individuals for making the Shadow experience that much better for the candidates during their visit to Spokane.
 
The BOD is extremely pleased with the high caliber of these candidates and excited about what each of them could bring to our Club.  This hiring is a huge step forward for the Club.  To actually be a little selfish, it will allow the BOD to step back from day-to-day issues and act in a more typical board manner.  More importantly, it will also put into place a person that is excited about the present and future of the Club...one that will reenergize the membership and staff so that we are all heading into the next season at full throttle.
 
I know that I just put the idea of volunteering for the newly-established committees (i.e. Public Relations/Marketing/Communication, Fundraising/Sponsorships, Field
Development/Access) in my last letter.  But I would like to remind you that this is a great way to strengthen our Club and make it better for the players.  If you believe that you can help with one of these committees in any of the numerous possible ways, please e-mail the BOD (again at spokaneshadowbod@yahoo.com).  The sooner we can get these committees up and running, the sooner the Club will reap the rewards.
 
GO SHADOW!



Mike Keenan
President, Board of Directors
Spokane Shadow Youth Soccer Club