Minutes - FC Bozeman Board Meeting – April 2, 2003

 

Board Members Present:  Tim Owen, Jeff Pearce, Bill Locke, Jen Gummer, Rick Sojda, Carson Taylor, Phil Rotherham

 

Others in Attendance:  Ric Plante, Marta Plante, Tim Guenzler, Pam Smith, Andy Epple, Gene and Juanita Anderson, Dick Prugh

 

Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m.

 

NOTE:   MSPMotion, Seconded, Passed

 

Tim Owen presiding.

 

MSP – Unanimously approve March 5 minutes

 

 

President’s ReportTim Owen

 

No written agenda tonight.

 

7:00 – 7:30 – Committee Reports

 

7:30 – Teleconference with Bill Kittle, President of the Utah Blitzz to answer questions that the Board may have after the meeting last week regarding Tim Guenzler’s proposal to move the club forward and become part of the Utah Blitzz Association.

 

In thinking about the discussions about the Blitzz, Tim O. wants folks to step back and think about the kids.  Look at the BIG picture, then work on the details.  They are willing to work with us on all the details.

 

Jeff Pearce – Nothing to Report

 

Bill Locke – Nothing to report tonight. 

 

Jen Gummer

 

FCB has 10 more players this year over last year.  Micro is about the same.  All teams have their rosters and their cards. 

 

Through Lisa and Micro, the club has received $1160 for the Bronken Fields.

 

Pam Mc – Nothing to report

 

Rick Sojda

 

Had no committee meeting.  Getting all contracts and affidavits in.  He will send coaches list to Pam S. to go with last month’s minutes.

 

Carson

 

Recertified about 20; New Certs – 21

 

About 30 doing Level 9 clinic as we meet tonight.  We should have enough Micro refs.  Still have a problem with the upper levels.

 

Risk Management – Took what he and Martie created last year.  Gave to Ric and Tim to give to their coaches.  If they want a meeting with their coaches, he’ll do it.  Thinks that things are covered.  Just wants everyone to think about Risk Management.

 

Phil Rotherham Bronken Fields

 

Phil has submitted the application for matching funds.  The site plan was submitted to Andy Epple for review.  Has also submitted an application to the Parks Department for matching funds.  Reported on the donations to date.  Dick Prugh has agreed to design the building.  Brian Troth told Phil that there was a possible anonymous donor who might go for the whole building – that’s about $75,000. 

 

Andy Epple from the City reported that he feels that the city will look very favorably on all that has been done.  Things seem to be progressing very well.  Will still have to be approved by the City Commissioners.

 

We have to remember that as we gain income, we are also going to start incurring expenses.  Andy will print the plan set for us and the application fee will be waived.

 

Tim G

 

He is very pleased with his boys’ teams and coaches for the first week of the season.

 

MLS just signed a 4 year deal with Fox Sports.  This is outstanding for soccer in the US.

 

The proposed plan to join the Utah Blitz is an incredible opportunity.  They will train coaches and players in the European style.  There is the possibility that one day there will be an FCB player on the Blitzz.  The Blitzz believe in a pyramid of development – from recreational players to professional.

 

Summary of what it is all about - The Blitzz would put on a tournament for us.  Season passes for all players to Blitzz games.  Super Y League - play in any tournament nationwide.  Blitzz uniforms (about $90, just like current uniforms) or current uniforms with a $3 patch.  Blitzz offer exclusive only to FC Bozeman in the state of Montana.  Attempting to host a Pioneer Cup in July – we would be invited.  Rice Eccles Stadium was built for the Olympics – site of opening ceremonies.   It is now their stadium.  Willing to do a camp for us here.  Would like to have a PDL (Professional Development League) for college players.  Trainings offered would be for both field players and goalies.  For the Junior Blitzz (our Micro program) they would also train coaches and players (Junior Blitzz uniforms would be $16).  Cost is $45 per player.

 

Teleconference with Bill Kittle – 7:46

 

Bill apologized for running late.  He was doing TV interview for the US Women’s Team match with Korea in June at the Rice Eccles Stadium.

 

Bill gave a little background on how he became involved with the Blitzz.  He had been the President of one of the largest soccer clubs in the state of Utah when he became involved with the Blitzz, Billy McNicol, Stacey and Chris Agnello.  He was working for the ad agency doing publicity for the Blitzz.  Bill had been feeling very frustrated with his club.  Thought of setting up training sessions with the Blitzz players – an incredible resource not being used.  Discussions with Chris lead to the Blitzz FC idea.

 

Blitzz FC Idea – To provide the highest level of training available and a way to do it that was the most comfortable for both the players and the parents.  Support system for teams who want to have Blitzz trainings.  The teams are the ones who tell the Blitzz how many training sessions they want.  Some might just want to wear the jersey.  Some want the training.  Blitzz does not dictate this.

 

FCB would be the first affiliation outside of Utah.  There are still many things to be worked out, but something can happen.  The Blitzz has to be really flexible, and Chris Agnello realizes this.

 

We’re exploring new territory, but it can all be resolved.  We have to explore all the possibilities.

 

Blitzz Pro – For Profit

Blitzz FC – Separate organization, 501C3

 

We have an agreement with the Blitzz to use their logo and trainers. 

 

In Utah, the Junior Blitzz is run by the county.  Use the Blitzz name and logo.  The Blitzz helps train the coaches.  In the summer there is no league play, so they put all star teams together out of Junior Blitzz – a recreational league.

 

Blitzz FC is associated with Utah Youth Soccer.

 

One of Bill’s concerns is that as the organization grows the Blitzz players are going to be busy.  Will have to schedule training thru Blitzz FC.  His concern and his goal are to provide the things that WE need.

 

Looking at Montana Blitzz FC as the name.

 

$45 – what does that include?  Honest answer, administrative costs, but mainly access to what they have to offer.

 

In Utah they are having once a month training – they evaluate game performance, have field player and goalie training.  Also Utah has 2 seasons, so they are actually paying $90.  This is the area that is probably not fair to Bozeman – the distance.   We’ll have to explore the possibility of what the club actually wants and then come back to the Blitzz to determine the fee.

 

Blitzz includes both Boys and Girls teams.

 

Tremendous value in having the European model.

 

Provides opportunities for the serious players wanting to go on to play college – pro – MLS.  Gives visualization to where they want to go.  They are talking in the future of taking teams to Europe and Australia.  Creating something like nowhere else in the country.  Chris has tremendous vision.  Hands on experience – real world access to pro players.  Role models for all our kids.

 

Requirement of Club coaches – at least a D license.  Blitzz is encouraging all of heir coaches to do the C course.

 

Fund Raising – like everywhere else, this is always the number one problem.  Scholarships – never want to have to turn kids away because they can’t afford to play.  They are also beginning to work on the possibility of being able to offer college scholarships.

 

Tim O’s vision of a large summer tournament – fund raiser.  Can they help?  Yes – they have expertise on organizing and holding tournaments.

 

Bill told Tim O. to give anyone his phone numbers.  He’s glad to talk to anyone – anytime.

 

End of teleconference.

 

Tim G. –

 

This is the greatest opportunity for any kid in Montana.  He believes what’s best for the kids is best.

 

Tim O –

 

Two big questions –

 

  1. Being part of Blitzz
  2. Higher degree decision making of the coaches

 

If we do #1, take into consideration #2

 

Floor open to questions regarding Blitzz association.

 

Ric Plante would like to submit questions to Bill Kittle.  Phil R. would like to do the same thing.  Let’s write our own contract and see how it all works out.  Need clear definition to be able to sell this to the membership.

 

Question on why Montana Blitzz FC and not Bozeman Blitzz FC.

 

Maybe set up meeting with representatives from FCB and Bill Kittle to work things out and come up with a framework and proposal.

 

Need something to present to membership.  Need a contract document.  At this point we can’t vote because we do not have an agreement.

 

Motion – As a Board we should agree to draft a contract document so that we can move forward on the action.

 

Discussion

 

Ask Ric and Tim to write their proposal.  Give these to Carson, Rick and Pam Mc to draft document for Bill Kittle.

 

Ric will write letter to membership.  He’ll talk to Tim Guenzler.  The letter will outline what is happening with the association and will invite comments.  The letter will also be posted on the web.

 

Meeting adjourned about 9:30.