The SHSC and FPCS have begun discussions of a possible merger of each clubs respective select programs.  This merger creates an exciting time for both organizations and competitive players in the area. These initial discussions have been open ended from the beginning and have been a topic of conversation for the last year.  After many man-hours and research it has now reached the level at which we need member approval to work ahead.  It is felt at this time that both FPSC and SHSC need to present to their members for vote the idea of creating a unified select program structured with equal input from both clubs.  If after these initial club meetings and votes, both clubs are interested then a committee of equal representation will be appointed and the groundwork of a new club will begin.  There are many concerns and questions surrounding this possibility. It is mutually agreed upon between clubs that a merger would build on the already great programs that both SHSC and FPSC have created.  I n order to grow and stay true to our missions it is natural to look beyond being competitors and look at being partners.  Upon completion of the committee’s findings the Merger committee will have a completed proposal for clubs to vote on no later than February 28^th.  If the initial vote is passed, the final vote will still have pass in order to implement the proposed merger.

The following outlines some of the more important pros of moving forward with the merger.

• Creating a larger player pool to ensure all players are placed in the correct competitive environment.  LIKE vs. LIKE
• Serving the lower to middle skill level players is the strength of both clubs and a merger allows us to work with the higher-level players as well.
• A merger breaks down barriers that exist between players choosing 1 club over the other. Rather it provides players with 1 all-inclusive option that will ultimately benefit all players in the long run.
• Increase the community reach by providing non-competing services to a broader scope of players.  Competing for same players vs. working with same players in a model that increases development.
• Creating more field flexibility including FP Stadium turf, Heritage soccer park and local schools within both districts
• Having better fields and more options is beneficial to field scheduling and coordinating of different programs.  Also rotating fields can ease the wear and tear that occurs on our grass fields.
• Recreational programs will benefit by presence of more professional coaches.
• Competitive programs benefit from increased player pool and stronger coaching prospects.
• Academy and MOD programs may be able to host inner club leagues, keeping costs down.
• Kids benefit by finding right soccer fit for them in a unified organization without boundaries between levels.
• Higher level of coaching at all levels
• More enhanced skill-training opportunities for all ages.
• Kids will be on teams with players of similar abilities and desires
• Duplicative administrative costs are eliminated
• Increased ability to identify and train coaches
• More soccer options for all players at all levels from the bottom to the top.
• Not every program is for every kid, but every kid will have a program.

Some common questions and concerns?

What type of player will this club be for?

The proposed club will be for players of all ages and abilities.  Currently both clubs offer great programs to their members and this will not change rather they will be enhanced.  By enhancing all development programs across the board, the skill level of players will grow and a merged club can provide these players a playing option that otherwise we struggle to offer under the current 2-club system.  A new club and increased player pool would be able to give our most competitive and talented players, that would otherwise leave for other premiere clubs, a home within our club.

How will the new club be run?

Without getting to detailed, the new clubs board would be made up of representative from both clubs and would be appointed, After year 1 Board positions and appointed positions would follow as outlined in the BY-Laws. All teams from SHSC and FPCS along with teams within the new club would have voting rights with the new club.

How big will the new club be?

A new merged club would consist of a new select program and both charter members (SHSC FPSC) recreational programs.  The combination of these programs would but our member numbers in the ballpark of 2000 kids, making us the biggest club in the South Sound area and one of the biggest in the State

Will player fee’s change?

Based on Budget projections, some teams fees would increase and some would decrease.  It is a huge priority to ensure the economic impact a merger would have on all members from both clubs. We will strive to offer the highest level of coaching and developmental programs for the most competitive affordable and reasonable cost.  We feel by keeping cost down and offering the highest level of training possible that we can distinguish our selves by giving our members more for there soccer dollar than other competing clubs.

Will you have A and B teams, or different levels of commitment?

This is a direct result of the number of players that attend player placement evaluations, Ideally we would field as many teams as possible, as long as they are able to be place in competitive environment.  Having a 3-tiered system we would have Premiere level teams, Competitive level teams and Classic level teams.  Premier level teams and certain Competitive level teams would play under the new clubs umbrella.  Certain Competitive teams and Classic level teams would be registered under their respective clubs Recreational programs.  The new club would make available their professional coaches to all Classic and Competitive teams that were interested in higher training programs.  Players would be encouraged to attend player placement evaluations (tryouts) to ensure they are placed on teams of similar abilities and desires.

How will Recreational programs of SHSC and FPSC be impacted?

Niether club will lose money based on this merger.  Clubs may benefit due to sponsorship opportunities and decreased apparel cost that come with having larger orders for gear.  Professional coaches will be made available and will coach in many of the Recreational Academy and Mod programs.  Younger age groups will have professional coaches that oversea each age and make sure players are getting the proper instruction and coaching.  Both clubs will maintain the identity of there Recreational programs.  The possibility of merging clubs at the recreational level will be evaluated and discussed as the merger process becomes more viable.  This also allows for each Charter club to maintain voting power for check and balances of new merged select program.