Council Approves Youth Soccer Transfer

At the regular meeting on Monday, Mar. 10, Council approved a recommendation to transfer the operation of youth soccer from the City of St. John’s to a private operator - the St. John’s Soccer Club.
 
“The St. John’s Soccer Club has an excellent reputation and solid track record of providing quality soccer programs and we are confident in their ability to deliver a good house league soccer program to the youth of our city,” says Councillor Bernard Davis, chair, Community Services and Housing Standing Committee. “We are pleased to be able to pass on this important sport activity to an independent community group.”
 
In 2006, the City assumed the operation of the Youth Soccer Program due to the rapid and dramatic growth in the sport in St. John’s and surrounding areas. Today, there are many active soccer organizations in adjacent communities, and the management of the St. John’s program can be transferred back to a volunteer organization.
 
The St. John’s Soccer Club has been given a one-time operating grant of $35,000 and the City of St. John’s will support the program for the upcoming season by continuing to provide registration services.
 
There will be no increase in fees as a consequence of this transfer.
 
“We believe in working with and enabling community partners to provide services to our residents that promote fun, fair play and physical activity,” says Councillor Davis. “Soccer is an important activity for young and old alike in St. John’s and we look forward to another successful season in 2014.”
 
House League registration begins April 7 and will continue until May 30.
 
 
For further information:
Jennifer Mills
Communication and Public Relations Officer
City of St. John’s
Phone: (709) 570-2037
Cell: (709) 690-7586
E-mail: jmills@stjohns.ca