Scott N. Maxfield
Candidate for President
Utah Youth Soccer Association

My name is Scott Maxfield, and I am running for the office of President of Utah Youth Soccer Association. As a soccer enthusiast, it has been exciting to witness the growth of youth soccer in Utah and across the nation. Dedicated soccer minds, which for the most part are volunteers, have been influential in forging youth soccer into what has now become the sports icon of America's young people.

Many years ago, my wife and I decided that because our children were so occupied with soccer, it was important for us as parents to take a more active role in soccer in our area. I started nearly nineteen years ago as a recreation soccer coach. During this time not only was I striving to learn a game that I never played as a young boy, but was asked to be the treasurer for what was then known as the Copper Hills Soccer Club. Located in West Valley City, you will recognize this club as the West United Soccer Club. I decided that recreation soccer was not only fun, but was a terrific way to influence a young person's life. How many of us remember an adult that as a young person affected our life in a positive manner? It was a few years later that I became impressed with the "competition" teams, and the quality of soccer that was being taught. It did not take long for me to become a competition soccer coach and select my first team. We were a boys U-12, division five team. Winning the division that year was a coaching highlight, because I learned early that regardless of the level, soccer should always be about what will benefit and be in the best interest of the youth player; it is their excitement and love for the game that should always take priority over fanatical parents and coaches. I have enjoyed coaching both boys and girls, at all ages and levels, for many years, and know that my time spent has created lifetime friendships.

Upon moving to South Jordan, my wife and I still felt the need to contribute, or that is to say, to be a part of the solution rather than part of a problem. I attended my first board meeting with the desire to again become an active parent coach and volunteer. Somehow I left the meeting wondering how I was going to inform my wife that I was the new president of league 13 and the Arsenal Alliance Soccer Club. Over the years, the program's successes need to be credited to the many volunteers who helped build a program that registered over 120 recreation teams and 25 plus competitive teams. This was a position that I served in for the next ten years. During this time period, I continued coaching multiple teams, met with the city planning commission and city council providing input for soccer field development in South Jordan City.

The Director of Coaching at that time asked the league to be the first club to implement 4v4 soccer on a trial basis. Although variations of the original model have been adopted, young soccer players continue playing versions of this small-sided soccer game statewide. I was a part of the original group who brought together the Arsenal Alliance and Hot Spurs Soccer Club and incorporated the Not-for-profit soccer club now known as USA (Utah Soccer Alliance).

Finally I was nominated and served for three years as Vice President of Utah Youth Soccer. My experiences in dealing with programs and problems statewide provided many challenges, but always at heart were the needs of the young people who are Utah Youth Soccer. The opportunity to see how soccer is functioning across the state was very valuable to me, in that I am in a better position to offer council and advice to developing soccer programs. I became experienced in running meetings, when the president was unable to attend. My business experience has taught me to delegate responsibility, and allow people to do their jobs.

What do I see as needs for future growth? I consider the following as critical:

• The need to revise our current set of rules and bylaws, and corresponding policies so that they do not conflict with each other
• Streamline administration and office accountability
• Use current resources to develop and improve the referee pool, and require more referee accountability
• Establish a recreation committee that functions as an advisory group in assisting, and helping the projected growth of recreation programs across the state
• Grow current membership and improve existing programs by building upon current sponsorships. We need "soccer in a box" for the many cities that have yet to become active in Utah Youth Soccer
• Continue and build upon our relationship with our local professional teams Real Salt Lake, and the Utah Spiders
• Bring into our organization more individuals who are successful products of Utah Youth Soccer, and use their talents as coaches and role models

I believe that I have the experience knowledge and commitment in all areas to bring to pass the goals and objectives listed above. I am a good listener and look forward to an opportunity to work with the many volunteers who comprise the leagues and clubs of Utah Youth Soccer. I ask for your vote in February at the AGM. My contact information is 801-254-8722 (H), 801-641-6796 (M), or email at snmcoach8@msn.com.