As President of Utah Youth Soccer Association, I want to welcome those teams who have chosen to participate in the 2007 Presidents Cup Tournament. This tournament has been in the planning stages for many weeks, with over 100 teams participating in this year's Presidents Cup. Bobby Ginn, our Executive Director, and the office staff have been very busy with all the preparations, spending many hours in securing fields, arranging referees, and giving me a promise for great fall weather!

To the players, I hope that you have a great tournament, have fun, and play your best! Remember to dress for the weather, and arrive to your game early. Listen to your coaches, as they are the ones with the "keys" to winning the game. Finally, I ask you to please be respectful to your opponents. Avoid trash talking and swearing. Demonstrate your abilities on the field, rather than using your mouth.

To the parents, I offer you this reminder, that you are able to influence the game in many ways. Be positive in your comments to the players on your team. Please avoid making negative comments to all players. Teaching life's lessons cannot always be left to the coaches and team administrators, therefore, I leave it to you to encourage fair play, and teach good sportsmanship both by word and example. Referees, and referee decisions will always be a part of sports. Sometimes a call may be missed, but I know of no referee that shows up to a game with the intent to make all calls one-sided. Teach you children to "play through" adversity and you will be teaching a lesson that will last a lifetime.

Again I wish all players good luck, and go out and play your best!