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Town Hall & FAQ's
2018-11-21
Halifax CITY Soccer Club’s Town Hall Meeting is fast approaching. For anyone wishing to attend please RSVP, if you haven't already done so:
In case you are wondering why we are even holding a Town Hall... the Board of Directors and Staff want to hear what the membership has to say.
Everyone appreciates there has been ongoing frustration, upheaval and change that has affected just about everyone within our club.
Now more than ever CITY needs to build deeper connections that allow people to feel more supported, empowered and able to contribute to our club.
The Town Hall is one of the first steps towards implementing processes that take into consideration what our membership truly values. We are committed to listening to you and creating a framework for implementing your needs, recommendations, ideas, etc.
At the same time we want to do a better job sharing information. We aren't perfect yet, but we are trying. So, on that note here are some answers to FAQ’s you might find helpful prior to the Town Hall:
1. “Who is Currently On CITY’s Board of Directors?”
Janet Cullinan*
Bill Dolan
Luke Eliot
Nikki Keating* - Treasurer
Kelly Kitamura
Tara Lively
Stefan Leslie
Mark McFarland
Tim McLaughlin*
Sharleen Nielsen*
Karen Prince
Mary Thibeault - Secretary
*indicates will not be reoffering to serve on the Board of Directors at Annual General Meeting
The primary function of the club’s Board of Directors is to provide Oversight and Governance for the club’s Administrative and Technical Operations. In essence Directors are the guiding minds of the club while staff manage day-to-day operations under the oversight of the Directors.
Overseeing the affairs of the club involves a broad range of duties, including, but not limited to: ensuring the club adheres to and carries out its strategic goals; setting long-term objectives in accordance with these goals; ensuring financial stability; establishing best-practices and policies both administratively and technically.
2. “Can I Become A Member of the Board of Directors?”
Directors are elected by the members at each Annual General Meeting or Ordinary General Meeting. Directors are elected for a two-year term.
A Nominating Committee is appointed prior to the AGM to identify and make recommendations to the membership for the election of directors. The nominating committee reports to the Board which reviews its recommendations. A member of the nominating committee at the direction of the Board nominates candidates approved by the Board for election as directors at the AGM.
Persons other than those approved by the Board may be nominated provided that written notice of such nomination, signed by five members and the person being nominated, is delivered to the Secretary fourteen days in advance of the annual general meeting. Any vacancy in the Board may be filled by a person appointed by the Board.
For further information please read the club’s By-Laws at the following link: Halifax CITY Soccer Club By-Laws
3. “Who Is CITY’s Current Staff?”
Meggie Spicer, General Manager
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Thursday December 6th at 7pm at the BMO Indoor Soccer Centre 2nd Floor Classroom.
Per Halifax CITY Soccer Club’s By-Laws the AGM must be held within 3 months of the end of the fiscal year.
At each AGM the following items of business shall be dealt with and shall be deemed to be ordinary business:
Canada Soccer has introduced a Club Licensing Program across Canada. The program is designed to raise the standards of soccer development across the country to improve the overall soccer system and guide soccer organizations toward best principles for organizational development both on and off the field.
The Canada Soccer Club Licensing Program takes a principles-based approach which allows organizations to develop and select the methods by which they operate based on their available resources and unique situation and context. Developed in collaboration with Provincial and Territorial Association members, and incorporating international best practices, the program will set clearly defined standards and expectations for member organizations, recognize excellence in the soccer community, raise the level of clubs, and drive change within the soccer system throughout Canada.
The principles of the Canada Soccer Club Licensing Program will guide the behaviour of all organizations and are being implemented to improve the youth soccer experience in Canada. By prioritizing fun, emphasizing the physical, mental, and emotional safety of youth players, and providing developmentally-appropriate, high quality programs, Canada Soccer is redefining the youth soccer experience.
For more information on the Club Licensing Program please visit:
https://www.canadasoccer.com/canada-soccer-introduces-club-licensing-program--p161707
https://www.soccerns.ca/club-license/
6. "Is It True CITY Is Merging With (fill in the blank) Soccer Club?”
Over the past several months there have been a number of rumours surrounding the potential for Halifax CITY Soccer Club to merge with another soccer club within the Halifax District (i.e. Dunbrack and/or County). Speculation that CITY is in dire financial straits has perhaps led to the assumption a merger was necessary. The club is in fact in a strong financial position and is not considering merger out of financial desperation. The club’s current cash position is favourable and budget projections for year-end are in line for a healthy surplus.
The discussions surrounding club merger within Halifax District have largely been driven by Soccer Nova Scotia’s mandate as they guide clubs through the newly introduced CSA Club Licensing Program. Prior to the Club Licensing roll-out CITY had been approached informally by more than one club to discuss merging. Subsequently a sub-committee of club members was established to examine the potential pros and cons of a club merger. These discussions have remained informal; to be clear CITY has not engaged any club with the intent of merging. Presently our club is nowhere near merging with another club for a variety of reasons chief among them the fact a clear mandate has not been established by our membership.
In the future it may or may not make sense for CITY to contemplate a merger. Regardless you can rest assured the membership will be kept informed and involved in any decision regarding club merger.
“7. "What Is The Financial Situation Of The Club?”
As mentioned above the club is in line for a surplus at fiscal year-end. Despite this fact there are financial challenges that continue to affect our club. Some of these challenges remain within our control (e.g. equipment purchases, registration fees) while some are not (e.g. SNS and NSSL fees, cost of turf rental).
The unfortunate reality is soccer is becoming increasingly expensive to play. Not surprisingly families are choosing other interests that seemingly provide better value. This fact is made abundantly clear by the fact that, along with every soccer club in our region, CITY has experienced an overall decline in player registrations.
CITY has taken pride in never turning a player away from playing soccer. We continue to assist families who rely on KidSport funding to partially subsidize the cost of soccer registration. Over the past few years KidSport funding has remained unchanged while the number of players requiring subsidy has increased significantly.
While CITY’s financial situation is currently healthy the trends within the sport of soccer in Nova Scotia and within our club does not create a great sense of optimism. We simply cannot afford to continue to operate “the same old way”. Changes will be required for the long-term sustainability of our club. The good news is there will be many opportunities for everyone within our club to have a say on what changes need to be made in the short and longer terms.
In case you are wondering why we are even holding a Town Hall... the Board of Directors and Staff want to hear what the membership has to say.
Everyone appreciates there has been ongoing frustration, upheaval and change that has affected just about everyone within our club.
Now more than ever CITY needs to build deeper connections that allow people to feel more supported, empowered and able to contribute to our club.
The Town Hall is one of the first steps towards implementing processes that take into consideration what our membership truly values. We are committed to listening to you and creating a framework for implementing your needs, recommendations, ideas, etc.
At the same time we want to do a better job sharing information. We aren't perfect yet, but we are trying. So, on that note here are some answers to FAQ’s you might find helpful prior to the Town Hall:
1. “Who is Currently On CITY’s Board of Directors?”
Janet Cullinan*
Bill Dolan
Luke Eliot
Nikki Keating* - Treasurer
Kelly Kitamura
Tara Lively
Stefan Leslie
Mark McFarland
Tim McLaughlin*
Sharleen Nielsen*
Karen Prince
Mary Thibeault - Secretary
*indicates will not be reoffering to serve on the Board of Directors at Annual General Meeting
The primary function of the club’s Board of Directors is to provide Oversight and Governance for the club’s Administrative and Technical Operations. In essence Directors are the guiding minds of the club while staff manage day-to-day operations under the oversight of the Directors.
Overseeing the affairs of the club involves a broad range of duties, including, but not limited to: ensuring the club adheres to and carries out its strategic goals; setting long-term objectives in accordance with these goals; ensuring financial stability; establishing best-practices and policies both administratively and technically.
2. “Can I Become A Member of the Board of Directors?”
Directors are elected by the members at each Annual General Meeting or Ordinary General Meeting. Directors are elected for a two-year term.
A Nominating Committee is appointed prior to the AGM to identify and make recommendations to the membership for the election of directors. The nominating committee reports to the Board which reviews its recommendations. A member of the nominating committee at the direction of the Board nominates candidates approved by the Board for election as directors at the AGM.
Persons other than those approved by the Board may be nominated provided that written notice of such nomination, signed by five members and the person being nominated, is delivered to the Secretary fourteen days in advance of the annual general meeting. Any vacancy in the Board may be filled by a person appointed by the Board.
For further information please read the club’s By-Laws at the following link: Halifax CITY Soccer Club By-Laws
3. “Who Is CITY’s Current Staff?”
Meggie Spicer, General Manager
- Reporting to the Board, the General Manager manages day-to-day club Administrative Operations, and is ultimately responsible for all operational aspects of the club including member services, facility management, program coordination and financial management.
- The objective of the Technical Coordinator position is to provide Technical Development to the club’s players and coaches through on field leadership, curriculum development and implementation, and membership communications.
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Thursday December 6th at 7pm at the BMO Indoor Soccer Centre 2nd Floor Classroom.
Per Halifax CITY Soccer Club’s By-Laws the AGM must be held within 3 months of the end of the fiscal year.
At each AGM the following items of business shall be dealt with and shall be deemed to be ordinary business:
- Minutes of preceding general meeting;
- Consideration of the annual report of the directors;
- Consideration of the financial statements, including balance sheet and operating statement and the report of the auditors thereon;
- Election of directors for the ensuing year;
- Appointment of auditors, if any;
- Other business
Canada Soccer has introduced a Club Licensing Program across Canada. The program is designed to raise the standards of soccer development across the country to improve the overall soccer system and guide soccer organizations toward best principles for organizational development both on and off the field.
The Canada Soccer Club Licensing Program takes a principles-based approach which allows organizations to develop and select the methods by which they operate based on their available resources and unique situation and context. Developed in collaboration with Provincial and Territorial Association members, and incorporating international best practices, the program will set clearly defined standards and expectations for member organizations, recognize excellence in the soccer community, raise the level of clubs, and drive change within the soccer system throughout Canada.
The principles of the Canada Soccer Club Licensing Program will guide the behaviour of all organizations and are being implemented to improve the youth soccer experience in Canada. By prioritizing fun, emphasizing the physical, mental, and emotional safety of youth players, and providing developmentally-appropriate, high quality programs, Canada Soccer is redefining the youth soccer experience.
For more information on the Club Licensing Program please visit:
https://www.canadasoccer.com/canada-soccer-introduces-club-licensing-program--p161707
https://www.soccerns.ca/club-license/
6. "Is It True CITY Is Merging With (fill in the blank) Soccer Club?”
Over the past several months there have been a number of rumours surrounding the potential for Halifax CITY Soccer Club to merge with another soccer club within the Halifax District (i.e. Dunbrack and/or County). Speculation that CITY is in dire financial straits has perhaps led to the assumption a merger was necessary. The club is in fact in a strong financial position and is not considering merger out of financial desperation. The club’s current cash position is favourable and budget projections for year-end are in line for a healthy surplus.
The discussions surrounding club merger within Halifax District have largely been driven by Soccer Nova Scotia’s mandate as they guide clubs through the newly introduced CSA Club Licensing Program. Prior to the Club Licensing roll-out CITY had been approached informally by more than one club to discuss merging. Subsequently a sub-committee of club members was established to examine the potential pros and cons of a club merger. These discussions have remained informal; to be clear CITY has not engaged any club with the intent of merging. Presently our club is nowhere near merging with another club for a variety of reasons chief among them the fact a clear mandate has not been established by our membership.
In the future it may or may not make sense for CITY to contemplate a merger. Regardless you can rest assured the membership will be kept informed and involved in any decision regarding club merger.
“7. "What Is The Financial Situation Of The Club?”
As mentioned above the club is in line for a surplus at fiscal year-end. Despite this fact there are financial challenges that continue to affect our club. Some of these challenges remain within our control (e.g. equipment purchases, registration fees) while some are not (e.g. SNS and NSSL fees, cost of turf rental).
The unfortunate reality is soccer is becoming increasingly expensive to play. Not surprisingly families are choosing other interests that seemingly provide better value. This fact is made abundantly clear by the fact that, along with every soccer club in our region, CITY has experienced an overall decline in player registrations.
CITY has taken pride in never turning a player away from playing soccer. We continue to assist families who rely on KidSport funding to partially subsidize the cost of soccer registration. Over the past few years KidSport funding has remained unchanged while the number of players requiring subsidy has increased significantly.
While CITY’s financial situation is currently healthy the trends within the sport of soccer in Nova Scotia and within our club does not create a great sense of optimism. We simply cannot afford to continue to operate “the same old way”. Changes will be required for the long-term sustainability of our club. The good news is there will be many opportunities for everyone within our club to have a say on what changes need to be made in the short and longer terms.