This past weekend, Utah Youth Soccer Association celebrated its 30th Anniversary at Juan Diego High School. The weekend started Friday night with the State Council Annual General Meeting. There were many business items discussed, with elections being held, and new officers being installed.

Cindy Baron was elected as the Association's Vice-President. Jodi Wells was accepted by acclamation, to continue as the Association's Secretary, and Eric Blommer accepted the nomination to be the new Competition Director. Finally, Joe Johnson who has been serving on an interim basis was elected to finish out this year as our State Treasurer. I would like to thank Sandra Plazas for her interest in running for the office of Vice-President, and Kurt Cottrell who has been serving the Association for the past two years as Competition Director. He has spent countless hours in meeting with the Competition Committee in setting up season alignments, and refining the policies that govern our State Competition leagues.

A new set of Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws were presented and discussed. The latest versions of these documents can be downloaded by clicking New Articles of Incorporation or New UYSA Bylaws. I encourage all interested parties to look over the new rules, and submit any suggestions that should be included with these documents to your league or club president. The State Council voted to convene a Constitutional Convention to review and modify some of the sections presented, with a deadline of May 15, 2008 to have a draft for review. Also, the Districts were asked to provide two volunteers to act as members of this rules committee to provide input to a set of documents we hope to have approved by early summer. Approval of a new set of rules and bylaws will constitute a major step forward, and serve for many years to come, as a basis for a solid foundation for Utah Youth Soccer.

Saturday's activities were very well attended, and deemed a success by the vendors, and the individuals who chose to participate in the workshops, and coaching sessions held throughout the day. The day concluded with our annual awards banquet. The banquet, sponsored by Utah Youth Soccer partner Real Salt Lake, recognized the award recipients who have donated countless hours to the youth of our Association. The atmosphere was great, and provided a backdrop to the well-organized event. I want to say thank you to all of the many volunteers, clinicians, vendors, office staff, and participants whose efforts contributed to this weekend's great success.