While millions of medical personnel around the world are doing everything possible to contain the COVID-19 virus, the top priority of GLSA continues to be the health and wellness of our players, families, coaches and staff. Recently we have joined with other national soccer organizations to proclaim national time-out for our sport.
At this point, we are planning to resume soccer programming on May 16. We will continue to update as we work with our governing bodies to evaluate potential adjustments to the return to play timelines through the upcoming weeks. Our intent to return to the fields remains the same and we plan to provide an enjoyable experience when we are able to do so. We will provide a club-wide update when additional information is available from our elected leaders and governing soccer body.
As many of you know, GLSA is a non-profit organization that is committed to providing and promoting a positive soccer experience for every member. We are also committed to the viability and sustainability of the organization in both the short-term and long-term. This commitment to both the recreational and competitive programs each year begins in the fall and carries throughout the year. Most importantly, we understand the current situation is placing a level of strain on our members that is unprecedented. Once our leaders within the federal and state governments, our respective soccer governing bodies, and our local communities make the important decisions that have a significant impact on the club and its members, we will follow through on those commitments.
As conditions remain from our last update, the GLSA Recreational Program will kick off on May 30th. We are working on a schedule to condense the season over five weekends covering both June and early July. Several of the divisions have an odd numbered teams, so there were already doubleheader Saturdays built into the schedule. Our volunteers that registered for shifts in April and May will be removed from those and moved to the new dates once they are confirmed. If those dates do not work, individuals can choose a new volunteer shift. If return to play is pushed past May 15th, we will have no choice but to cancel the spring recreational season. If the spring recreational season is canceled, GLSA will provide a partial credit for the fall season to the families impacted by this decision.
The FC 1974 Competitive Program has paused any in-person programming, including meetings, training, classes, etc., during this time. As most of you are probably aware, USYS has canceled Regionals and Nationals this summer. https://www.usyouthsoccer.org/usys-programming-notice-33120/ All events prior to May 1 have been canceled or postponed, Galaxy Friendlies and Rockford events have been rescheduled for June and July. Recently, Midwest Conference has canceled their spring season as the extended suspension has made it impossible to complete. https://www.usyouthsoccer.org/midwest-conference/.
Local leagues, State Cup, President’s Cup and Illinois Cup have not been canceled, with the expectation; they will be extended through July, so please plan accordingly. The most recent update from IYSA is that all IYSA CUP competition will move to a Home Team Host Knockout format with the first round games kicking off the first week of June. In addition, IYSA has confirmed they would add divisions for those Midwest Conference teams now without a league to play in. Once we are able to return to normalcy, our teams will continue to train through their last event, whenever that may be.
We are driven by the core belief that GLSA should be an excellent place to play, learn, grow and be a valuable part of the community. We are continuing to have our staff and coaches work with their teams and players with respecting the ‘social distancing’ guidelines and policies through the spring season. We are committed to providing as much value as we can when we are able to come back through training, play dates, events and coaching support. Once the critical decisions are made on available leagues, tournaments and showcases, GLSA is committed to issuing credits and/or refunds, where appropriate, to the families impacted by these decisions.
Once again, a huge THANK YOU to those of you working in essential jobs and out in the public and especially those working in the health care community!
All In Illinois – Stay In, Stay Safe
GLSA Board and Staff