Finish Line: first practice starts Wednesday, February 2, 2011!

Dear current and prospective members,

Our first season as an independent club operating 100% in the best interests of our own community's youth lacrosse program is just days away. Board members and other fellow coaches who have dedicated their time and efforts to hold monthly free instructional clinics, put up signs, distribute fliers, and battle the county rec system for full representation at our community's only youth sports park (Viera Regional Park), are poised to finally enjoy the fruits of our labor. Moving forward, there are some important facts I would like to make you all aware of for this upcoming spring season.

First off, we have lost the benefit of padding our numbers with youth lacrosse players from Merrit Island, as we had the luxury of when we were part of BLA. Merrit Island has also formed their own independent youth lacrosse club. Having lost more players to Holy Trinity's middle school lacrosse program has not helped. As such, it is important that you get your children registered and equipped ASAP if you have not already done so, as well as help us to spread the word and attract as many new players as possible. It is not too late, and beginners are not only welcome, but encouraged! We will be starting from scratch on day one, as if no single child has ever even picked up a lacrosse stick. I assure you, no one will be left behind. In order to be able to field competitive teams this year able to withstand unforeseen player illness, injury, or time away from games due to personal matters, we need your help to spread the word that youth lacrosse in Viera/Suntree/Melbourne/Rockledge has arrived.

The next issue is our coaching arrangement. Out of necessity, I will be the head coach for both the senior and junior divisions, with Coaches Ernie Cruz and Fred Romney assisting. Mike Saunders will be coaching the lightning division. While I am thrilled with the experience and dedication of the men we currently have to teach and guide our kids through their learning of the greatest game on two feet, we could use more help. We are accepting new coaches and no experience is required, only registration as a coach and US Lacrosse, as well as NCSI background check. Prospective coaches can register at our website at: vieralacrosseclub.com.

Finally, our lengthy petition to the Brevard County Division of Parks and Recreation has not been fruitless, but is currently in a state of bureaucratic frustration. Despite having submitted our required application and paperwork and done our due diligence, the advisory board rescheduled our December 20, 2010 hearing to February 21, 2011, a date already well into our season. Due to this unfortunate circumstance, Brevard Parks and Recreation has shut us out of Viera Regional Park for yet another spring season in favor of other sports not technically spring season sports, namely soccer and flag football. Despite our board's protests about field usage at Viera Regional Park not operating in the spirit of fairness with lacrosee not being allowed to be represented in its community's park, our protests fell on deaf ears, even at the level of Commissioner Mary Bolin's office.

I assure you, the battle may be lost, but the war rages on, and the board and I will attend our rescheduled hearing, as well as not rest until the Viera/Suntree Lacrosse Club is playing at Viera Regional Park. On your end, you can help us as tax paying citizens that deserve to have their children play their favorite sport in its community's park, by making your voices heard. You may contact Greg Minor of the Department of Parks and Recreation at:

Greg Minor
South Area Parks Operations
1515 Sarno Road B-2, Melbourne, FL 32935
(321)255-4400

You may also contact commissioner Mary Bolin's office at:

Commissioner Mary Bolin
2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way
Building C, Viera, Fl 32940
(321)633-2044

Whether you make yourselves heard by letter or telephone call, the more noise you make, the more success the board and I will have in ending this unjust stonewalling of our efforts to have lacrosse represented at Viera Regional Park once and for all.

For this season, we are once again forced to accept our consolation prize of Rockledge Park, 960 Cogswell Street, Rockledge. We have played there for the past 2 seasons and at least have a place for our kids to play that has well maintained grass, large field space, and a good sized parking lot. We are grateful to have place to play, but will continue to fight to have our right to play at Viera Regional Park recognized.

The first practice is set for Wednesday, February 2, 2011 at Rockledge Park, from 5:30-6:30. All three divisions will be practicing Mondays and Wednesdays 5:30-6:30, with our first competitive Florida Lacrosse Association 9FLA) game tentatively set for Saturday, February 26, 2011, with the season running through late April/early May. Board members and I will be attending an upcoming FLA meeting on February 6, 2011 after which we should have a more conclusive schedule to present to you.

We are very excited about our first season as an independent club, 100% in control of the destiny of our community's youth lacrosse program, with only our best interests at heart in all our decision making. I thank you all very much for your patience during this transition and for your and your childrens' participation. Should you have any questions or concerns, feel free to e-mail me any time at:

rogerwelton@vieralacrosseclub.com

Otherwise, see you Wednesday!

Sincerely,

Roger L Welton, DVM
President, Viera/Suntree Lacrosse Club