Hello, my name is Bill Biagi, president of the Vail Soccer Club (VSC) and I want to say "welcome" and share with you my goals for this club. My overall goal is for "soccer to be played each Saturday on every elementary and junior high school field in the Vail School District". I envision a diverse level of play, incorporating both the recreational and competitive aspects of the game. And the game will be for the players----so Vail Soccer Club will grow to provide multiple levels of player development "on the pitch". These levels are described below and form our four core goals.

First is the "learning of the game". Ideally the first introduction to soccer should come in the backyard of each player’s home and hopefully occurs very early in life----as kicking a ball can be accomplished by even the youngest of children. VSC will begin its program with a U-6 division which will focus on "participation". As I mentioned above, the "every field" aspect is certainly relevant here------it’s not so much that I am looking for the next "star" from our five-year-olds---as I am looking to see them playing—period. Participation will be the driving force behind VSC’s approach to this age group.

Second, VSC will seek to introduce the "love of the game" aspect to the U-8 division. These players will have begun to develop the "skills" necessary to play the game, and need to sense their own "enjoyment" within the game. This is when players begin to show real aptitude for their game, an appreciation for other players, and a desire to play, play, and play some more.

Third, by the U-10 age group, players will be encouraged to have "passion of the game". This comes as players realize the dimensions of the game, the abilities of other players, the complexity of "open space", and it provides a chance for players to take "their game to another level". The passion of the game readies a player for the openly competitive aspects of the game.

All of the age groups previously mentioned will play in a recreational league within the Vail Soccer Club. There may be opportunities for "inter-club" play but these would be coordinated and attended to on a case by case (club by club) basis. Parents and players should know that VSC desires to keep the U-6 to U-10 age groups playing right at "your" own school site----in other words, your backyard!

Fourth, and last core goal is the "excellence of the game". The U-12 and up divisions of the Vail Soccer Club will participate in the Pima County Junior Soccer League (PCJSL)-----a league designed to facilitate the inter-play of clubs within the Tucson metropolitan area. It is VSC’s desire to field teams that are well-versed in the "game"----and are competitive across all ages. To that end, VSC has enlisted a superb assembly of coaches that can assist each player in developing their fullest potential.

How quickly I can realize my goal is unknown. But with the exciting response to two years of Cienega Soccer Nights and the "word-of-mouth" discussions within the school district community----I may not have to wait long.

I wholeheartedly encourage you to be part of this club---also, I would invite you to involve yourself within our program. My goal is definitely in sight—and literally right in our own backyards. One Little Kick, One Big Goal!