OPL Club Finances

[Unregistered]

Rec Soccer

As someone who Coached Rec Soccer for over 10 years I can honestly say that the OYSA did virtually nothing for our Association other than provide insurance. Is that a bad thing, yes and no. Most Soccer Associations handle most of the Rec stuff themselves. So whether OYSA or OPL is on control it will not effect REC Soccer that much as far as I can see. By the way, US Soccer' insurance is $8.00 cheaper per player. hmmmm

[Unregistered]

OPL Meeting

Since some of you are interested, here is what I can recall from the meeting and my limited notes: (Let me first say that I coach a team at one of the OPL clubs and NO information had been shared with our teams. The first we heard that the older teams were going OPL and away from OYSA was when I received an email from OYSA. Needless to say I was shocked that the details had not come from our own leadership.)

That being said, the group of guys put on a great show and did a fairly decent job of answering questions. I am sure they convinced many they were the future of soccer and where you had to be if you did not want to be left out.

I went there to learn and listen with an impartial ear. I saw many people in the audience that I knew and a good percentage were from the OPL clubs. I also noticed there sometimes 3-6 people all from one club. (There were less than 80 people in attendance and I personally knew about 20-25 of them.)

They put very positive spins on the loss of the OYSA State Cup and OYSA President's Cup, even going so far to say they were no longer needed and their own US Club Director's Cup and State Cup would be as prestigious. They put very positive spins on the Timbers partnership and the US Club ID2 partnership. Even after leaving the meeting however, I question the opportunities for the female players. It didn't sound like the Timbers partnership will reach out to them.

(and thanks for the link to the NWCL) I had concerns about this. Of course, they said how great it was and how the travel to Washington would be minimal. I think they even mentioned British Columbia and Idaho but I could not find in my notes. I remember thinking at the time that they won't go to Medford but they'll go to Canada.

I noticed they had to defend how they registered the corporation, and they gave the positive spin of saying they followed the advice of their counsel and as they were not seeking donations, it was how they filed. Fraser did mention that the leagues don't make much, but I am not so sure. The only expense I could figure out was referees (about $70 per game). But, they did not have field expenses (each club gets their own fields) and no overhead as the coaches already get paid from their own clubs. But, I would guess that those doing the work (LOSC and Fraser) certainly took a huge chunk of the funds. At the meeting, the panel even mentioned that the clubs these people all come from are filed as 501c3 corporations. That does not matter. This is a new legal entity and it is about how they are filed.

I for one (and some of my parents) will actually miss the travel. We enjoy going to restaurants as a team and staying in hotels as a team and creating fun things to do around our trips. To me, that is what competitive soccer is about. I personally feel that if you do not want to travel, what are you doing in a competitive sport. Can we still have these bonding events in our home area? Certainly. But, I have found that 'life' interrupts the schedules more when we are close to home. With travel, there is nothing else to do except hang out together and talk about soccer.

I could post a whole new thread on the necessity of having a qualifying tournament or not. I personally like that my team's performance on the field places them in a league. I think that OYSA has done a good job with that over the years. I know this tournament costs money. Which tournament does not? I also know that if we don't do a qualifying tournament, then we will do another tournament (maybe travel to the new Bend tournament). I would prefer this system to a room full of coaches that 'think' they know every team making decisions.

They mentioned several times the BIG "C" and the little "a". They stated that this stands for coaches making the decision with little to no administration. I have concerns about coaches making decisions as I know that we all only care about our team and changes that affect us personally (me included). I am not saying that is right or wrong, but it is the fact and I just don't think these coaches care about my team (and remember, I'm from an OPL club but that is how they make my parents feel), but my team is not one of the stars for the club (even though it is an "A" team).

Their fee structure seems fine. I was surprised the fees were not revealed for the Director's Cup and their State Cup (I asked after the meeting and was told those fees had not been established yet). They are only having a 12-game U11-U14 season compared to the U12-U14 14-game OYSA season. Their U11 teams will play 11v11 and pay the same fees and have the same 12-game season.

They were insistent that their U10-U12 groups will all be based in Portland. Their U13-U14 they were less clear on. It clearly states on their presentation slides that this league will also be venue based. I agree that they certainly tried to smooth the feathers of Eugene by saying they would consider letting them be a venue. I would be shocked if that happens. They did say that if there are enough teams at U11-U12 from outside of Portland, they would consider developing a separate region or teams can certainly choose to come to the Portland region.

For the U15-U18 players, they said it would be state wide, but nothing on their slide said home and away or if venue based. I found in my notes they said home/away, but as it's not in their slide, my guess is that can change quite easily. The fees for this group were $900 for the 10-game season.

The one thing that I found intersting is that people that don't know much are not fully realizing.... clubs are NOT joining OPL (all night, people kept saying "When I join OPL"). Clubs are joining US Club soccer (register players and coaches). They are only playing in the OPL league. This is no different than your team or club playing in any other league.

Also, I have been told that for scrimmage games and friendly games, etc. Players with cards from US Club cannot play against players with USYS cards. I am still looking into this. To me, this is huge. Many of us play scrimmage games with our neighboring clubs. Does this mean that can no longer happen if my team is OPL and the other team is OYSA?

I also found their list of clubs that participated in the past very interesting. If I had not taken the time to make LOTS of phone calls and get LOTS of details in the past week, I would not be as informed as I now am. Even though I don't have a choice, (unless I quit coaching my current team - which I would miss), I would assume the clubs on the list had all of their their U10-U12 teams participating in the OPL. I have recently found that is not accurate. Except for three of the clubs, the rest had less than three teams in the combined U11 and U12 leagues and the larger majority of clubs had just one o two teams in all of the boys and girls U11 and U12 leagues combined. In fact, here are some stats that were sent to me on Friday from one of my southern counterparts. He didn't say where he got it from so I cannot say it is 100% accurate:
U11 boys and girls OPL club teams in OPL = 23
U11 boys and girls non-OPL teams in OPL = 16
U11 boys and girls teams in OYSA = 52

U12 boys and girls OPL club teams in OPL = 23
U12 boys and girls non-OPL teams in OPL = 25
U12 boys and girls teams in OYSA = 40

The way I read this is that if ALL of the non-OPL clubs would stay with OYSA, the OPL would cease to exist. I am sure that will not happen, but it would be an intersting scenario. The eight clubs could not run balanced leagues with just the teams from their eight clubs.

My last point.. I could not find any standings from the fall on their website last week. I finally was told they did not keep standings. My question is, will they keep standings with all these new leagues they will be running?

Ok - I just re-read all of this and it's much longer than I was expecting. Sorry about that, but if you get to the end, feel free to comment back - especially if you were at the meeting. What was your perception?

[Unregistered]

Question...

U11 boys and girls OPL club teams in OPL = 23
U11 boys and girls non-OPL teams in OPL = 16
U11 boys and girls teams in OYSA = 52

U12 boys and girls OPL club teams in OPL = 23
U12 boys and girls non-OPL teams in OPL = 25
U12 boys and girls teams in OYSA = 40

Maybe a silly question, but is there any reason a club couldn't/wouldn't enter their more competitive teams in the OPL and the lesser skilled teams in OYSA? It seems a club could get the best of both worlds if it chose to.

[Unregistered]

U11 boys and girls OPL club teams in OPL = 23
U11 boys and girls non-OPL teams in OPL = 16
U11 boys and girls teams in OYSA = 52

U12 boys and girls OPL club teams in OPL = 23
U12 boys and girls non-OPL teams in OPL = 25
U12 boys and girls teams in OYSA = 40

The way I read this is that if ALL of the non-OPL clubs would stay with OYSA, the OPL would cease to exist. I am sure that will not happen, but it would be an intersting scenario. The eight clubs could not run balanced leagues with just the teams from their eight clubs.

Ok, this has no intention of laying claim to "who is better". But there are some facts to point out about the above stats and your claim that a balanced league could not be run with just teams from the eight clubs.

First of all, at U-11 remember that OPL was 11v11 and OYSA was 8v8. So these groups would have remained split even if OPL didn't completely pull out of OYSA.

So, we can use U-12 as a barometer and the current state cup results.

On the girls side, of the 21 teams participating in State Cup, 13 played in OPL and 9 of the teams were from the OPL Eight. Now that we are at the quarterfinals, ALL 8 of the quarterfinalists played in OPL, and 7 are from the OPL Eight.

On the boys side, of the 19 teams participating in State Cup, 12 played in OPL and 8 teams were from the OPL Eight. Now that we are almost at the quarterfinals, 5 or 6 of the quarterfinalists played in OPL, and only 3 are from the OPL Eight.

So your argument that OPL could not run balanced leagues with just teams from their clubs is true and false. On the girls side, you are false as you can see that the majority of the current best teams are from OPL. On the boys side you might just have a point.

So, let's stop the propaganda and let teams and clubs make the decision that is best for them. The information is out there, there are two options where before there was no choice. Maybe, there is no universally single correct answer to which is better. Besides, the split is done, the only thing left is for your club or team to make a decision on what is best for them. If you truly have a strong opinion, you are wasting your time here and would be better directed to focus your opinions to your coach, DOC, or board.

Good Luck to all in your decisions, and maybe we will cross paths on the pitch........

[Unregistered]

OPL vs OYSA

The best statement of the opl meeting came from one of the OPL coaches up front that said something about the OPL and OYSA choice, "you have Burger King or McDonald's...and I don't like either one." I totally agree with that. Parents need to be asking lots of questions and voicing their concerns. It's unfortunate for the kids that it has come to this point and adults can't work out their disagreements. See the OPL and OYSA websites to get both sides, then talk to parents on your team and club leaders about it. It's going to be a tough year for everyone.

[Unregistered]

OYSA side finally getting heard

I don't typically write on these, but I do enjoy reading. However, I have to ask all parents to check out the OYSA website for the letter from Chuck. I know there are not many 'Chuck' fans, but it is nice to finally hear their side. I have to say, this letter does give a more accurate picture of what has happened. After reading it, I think the OPL group has created the damage to soccer in Oregon.

[Unregistered]

Oregon Rush Letter

Anyone see this? You really need to visit the Oregon Rush website. Too bad this club is so far away. What great leadership. They realize OYSA has issues, but they know OPL is not the answer.

I also wonder why our club is willing to pay their competition. I can't help but wonder how many of these OPL clubs would be in business had they not started generating revenue from running leagues. They also do not give anything away as OYSA does. They do not pay for clubs to attend the AGM. They do not offer TopSoccer. They do not promote soccer to underprivileged areas. They keep it for themselves.

Way to go Oregon Rush!!! Wish you all the best.

[Unregistered]

Anyone see this? You really need to visit the Oregon Rush website. Too bad this club is so far away. What great leadership. They realize OYSA has issues, but they know OPL is not the answer.

I also wonder why our club is willing to pay their competition. I can't help but wonder how many of these OPL clubs would be in business had they not started generating revenue from running leagues. They also do not give anything away as OYSA does. They do not pay for clubs to attend the AGM. They do not offer TopSoccer. They do not promote soccer to underprivileged areas. They keep it for themselves.

Way to go Oregon Rush!!! Wish you all the best.

They know that OPL is not the answer for THEM....at this time due to their "geographical isolation". And lets admit for those who didnt read it, that OR Rush conceded if they were in the metropolitan area they likely would have come to the same result.

Your second incorrect statement is in regards to "paying your competition"........ NONE of the CLUBS will make any profit form OPL as these are entirely separate entities.

[Unregistered]

Not Accurate - unfortunately

Your second incorrect statement is in regards to "paying your competition"........ NONE of the CLUBS will make any profit form OPL as these are entirely separate entities.

We all understand the individual clubs are their own corporations. We all understand their own clubs are 501c3 non-profit corporations.

BUT, not sure where you get your information. The eight clubs ARE OPL!!! As with any corporation, the owners take the profits = they are the owners. They will disperse ALL profits to themselves. Have you done the math? They are raking in the money by running leagues and NOT SHARING. I have no problem with the business owners keeping their profits. (I own my business, but I don't mislead my employees and my customers.) But, when the OPL tries to explain why they won't be sharing (their lawyer advised them to not be a 501c3), it all smells like they're hiding the facts.

Does anyone really trust them? I have met most every single one of these DOCs and have played their teams. I have attended most of their tryouts. Had kids in their clubs. I would never trust them to make any decision that did not benefit them personally.

Sorry - they created this, not me.

[Unregistered]

You don't get it............The CLUBS are in no way tied to the entity that is OPL> Meaning, for example, the OPL makes money and the Southside Soccer Club gets none of that, period! Also for example, lets say OPL does not pay a creditor, the clubs are not financially liable for the debt. The CLUBS are NOT OPL!

If you did your research, you would understand that the CLUBS are in support of OPL, but do not receive ANY financial gain or risk from the OPL venture.

[Unregistered]

You don't get it............The CLUBS are in no way tied to the entity that is OPL> Meaning, for example, the OPL makes money and the Southside Soccer Club gets none of that, period! Also for example, lets say OPL does not pay a creditor, the clubs are not financially liable for the debt. The CLUBS are NOT OPL!

If you did your research, you would understand that the CLUBS are in support of OPL, but do not receive ANY financial gain or risk from the OPL venture.

Article II, Section 2 of the Bylaws of OPC, which runs OPL, provides: "The OPC shall consist of the eight founding clubs." That would seem to suggest that the Clubs are rather tied to the entity that is the OPL. Article I, Section 2: "In the event of dissolution of the OPC, it is resolved that all OPC assets and funds shall be turned over to the [founding clubs]" That also would seem to suggest that the Clubs are rather tied to the the entity that is OPL. Corporate formation protects the clubs from direct liability from creditors; it does not preclude them from distributions, even for nonprofits. Of course, there are serious restrictions on distributions for nonprofit entities. To state (boldly no less) that the Clubs are Not OPL is a gross misrepresentation.

[Unregistered]

Rush loses, Souther Washington wins

Read the Oregon Rush post and, yes, they lose by their geographic isolation. At the same time, we in Vancouver, WA win. We no longer have to travel to Seattle or Spokane or Medford for quality competition.

As with all things, some lose and some win

[Unregistered]

Reality

Teams in Semis:
FC Portland - 7
WSM - 7 (U16 boys score missing)
LOSC - 7
Oregon Rush - 6
ESUFC - 5
Southside - 4
THUSC - 4
OSSA (SSC & LOSC) - 2
Cascade FC - 2

OYSA lost their clubs. The OPL league will provide a shared fate approach to soccer in Oregon.
OYSA sub contracts out key parts of their core work (Schedules, Tournaments and Qualifing), they have too man employees currently employed, and don't connect with their membership.

I am a dad wo has watched his daughter go through the system and will watch my son soon. I think if you look above you will realize if the 8 clubs of OPL leave OYSA the state cup will not be a state cup anymore.

OR Rush is trying tohold on but they are too late. They are going to be left in the dust, kids need hiher competition to develop. You win all your games 6-0 your team will begin tolose its edge.

Chuck oysa lost 40%+ percent of his revenue stream for 2010 he wil be forced to lay off and reduce his contract labor now. Welcome to the recession we all have ben living in OYSA.

[Unregistered]

Regarding Profits..lol.. and the OPL

Running Youth Soccer leagues in Tiny Oregon-- is not a for profit activity...once you factor in paying for rent, payroll taxes, overhead, office supplies, health insurance, workers comp, SAIF, Refs, Schedulers, Liability Insurance, Internet hosting, phone, garbage, unemployment insurance, electricity, heating, cooling, office furniture, I-T support, computer-networking, office cleaning, tstaff wages, medicare, Tri-met Tax, Social Security, legal fees, Advertising, phone, cell phone etc..

Any Revenue generated by the OPL for signing up a 100 or so teams then scheduling games will be already spent on the above costs.

Whatever the OPL has in the coffers right now will be used towards a start up business plan and like some believe they have around $70K in reserves...that's not enough for the a start-up company. But that's all they got...That's the investment to make it happen-- going forward. Every business must be captialized at the START UP! they did it by not taking anything for 3 years of prior scheduling. Geez these are bad dudes.

Now if they (OPL) take over scheduling all of the cal south youth soccer games then you might see some hint of profits.

Doing this for the small numbers of clubs and teams in Competitive youth oregon soccer will be a labor of love with a dream of breaking even.

Realize an OPERATING AGREEMENT not the ARTICLES of Incorporation will dictacte how losses and revenues will be handled.

So unless you have the internally produced ORERATING AGREEMENT of the OPL . Comments on the matter are nothing more than misguided conjecture and specualtion: Perhaps it's toward: Charity back to the clubs :back to the teams etc..
It's anyone's guess until they make money (profit) and make it public.

So what club of distinction do you represent that is deciding whether or not to come to the OPL? Wait all the Portland area competitive clubs have signed on with the OPL. So you represent yourself..kudos. Bend or Medford or Ontario or Burns maybe it's Brookings??

[Unregistered]

Running Youth Soccer leagues in Tiny Oregon-- is not a for profit activity...once you factor in paying for rent, payroll taxes, overhead, office supplies, health insurance, workers comp, SAIF, Refs, Schedulers, Liability Insurance, Internet hosting, phone, garbage, unemployment insurance, electricity, heating, cooling, office furniture, I-T support, computer-networking, office cleaning, tstaff wages, medicare, Tri-met Tax, Social Security, legal fees, Advertising, phone, cell phone etc..

Any Revenue generated by the OPL for signing up a 100 or so teams then scheduling games will be already spent on the above costs.

Whatever the OPL has in the coffers right now will be used towards a start up business plan and like some believe they have around $70K in reserves...that's not enough for the a start-up company. But that's all they got...That's the investment to make it happen-- going forward. Every business must be captialized at the START UP! they did it by not taking anything for 3 years of prior scheduling. Geez these are bad dudes.

Now if they (OPL) take over scheduling all of the cal south youth soccer games then you might see some hint of profits.

Doing this for the small numbers of clubs and teams in Competitive youth oregon soccer will be a labor of love with a dream of breaking even.

Realize an OPERATING AGREEMENT not the ARTICLES of Incorporation will dictacte how losses and revenues will be handled.

So unless you have the internally produced ORERATING AGREEMENT of the OPL . Comments on the matter are nothing more than misguided conjecture and specualtion: Perhaps it's toward: Charity back to the clubs :back to the teams etc..
It's anyone's guess until they make money (profit) and make it public.

So what club of distinction do you represent that is deciding whether or not to come to the OPL? Wait all the Portland area competitive clubs have signed on with the OPL. So you represent yourself..kudos. Bend or Medford or Ontario or Burns maybe it's Brookings??

The quoted sections are from what OPC has posted. If there are other documents to dispute what the Bylaws say, then OPC can post them. It's also a corporation and not an LLC, so there will be no operating agreement. The Bylaws (which again, OPC posted) and the Articles control the OPC activities. That's not conjecture; that's from OPC's own docs. This started with your statement that "OPL is not the Clubs." That has proven false. Now you want to shift the argument to a claim that this is all really a "labor of love" and there's no money to be made? Spare me. And don't for a second assume that because most of the Portland area clubs are joining means the general membership is happy. The decisions, including the initial separation, were out of their hands. Are you truly suggesting that the executives at the founding clubs polled their members about their actions? Not a chance. This is terrible for all Oregon soccer.