West Hartford Women’s Soccer Club

President's Message

I'm very pleased to welcome you to another great season of women's soccer! I look forward to helping WHWSC continue its successful operation. I will have a deep bench of support from an outstanding Executive Committee, and much to live up to, as Kim Heintz, Lisa Alexander, Cindy Courtney, and Beth Kennedy step down after two years of hard work and dedication.

Can you believe the league is now in its 15th year? That may make some wince at how quickly time passes and others excited to know you're part of a long-lasting tradition in this area, but I think it tells an important story. Like many organizations, the group started with a simple mission, worked hard to spread the word, and it grew over the years. The club has worked hard to keep sponsorship and other resources available to support the interest in WHWSC. But regardless of our best intentions, our club depends most upon player commitment and participation in order to function properly. Please read the sidebar on “Absenteeism,” which continues to be a strain on our operations in spite of our best efforts to keep this club well-funded and playing on fabulous fields.

In the meantime, we look forward to another spring season. It's gorgeous and sunny out as I write this note (albeit 20 degrees), and I know we'll all be hoping for great weather and the first chance to stretch our legs. We will again offer two recreational divisions. Division A is open to women age 23 and over as of the first day of the season (generally more experienced players, competitive playoff division in the Spring), and Division B is open to women age 25 and over as of the first day of the season (broader range of experience, no playoffs, no slide tackling, open subbing). Please contact the division coordinators to help determine which division is right for you.

The season will officially begin the weekend of April 18th and 19th and will end the weekend of June 20th and 22nd. Games are held Saturday and Sunday, with scrimmages and/or makeup games on Thursday nights. The registration is due on March 1, 2009 (postmarked by March 2, 2009). Please read the article on registration for more specific information about team placement, late registration, etc. As in past spring seasons, we will again be offering pre-season clinics to help refresh those skills! (But unfortunately, no youth serums will be administered.) More details to come in March.

Finally, we are planning a new Sportsmanship Award for one team selected by its peers in each division at the end of the spring season. More details to come, but it's a good opportunity to start recognizing and rewarding those high quality teams others can count on for their collegiality and good attitude. If you have any questions about league play, coaching opportunities, or sponsorships, please feel free to contact me at 214-1678, or by email at epbavier@gmail.com.

All best,

Evelyn Bavier
WHWSC President