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The Greater Pittston Stoners Youth Soccer Association is a 501c3 non-profit organization that has been a thriving member, and vital part of youth development, in our community since 1982. It is the mission of the Greater Pittston Stoners Youth Soccer Association to foster and perpetuate the game of soccer where fair play and proper sporting behavior will be displayed at all times.
This corporation is incorporated to establish and maintain an organization through which youth under the age of 18 in the Greater Pittston region may learn and participate in the game of soccer, thereby deriving all the traditional educational benefits thereof, including self-respect, regard for others, teamwork, sportsmanship and competitive skills. It is the further purpose of the organization to promote community spirit among the participants and combat the menace of juvenile delinquency in all its forms. Each year ,we provide the opportunity to play soccer for between 600-800 children and adolescents ages 5 through 18 in both the spring and fall seasons.
Recently, information has been released in regards to possible illegal matters which have transpired, most notably the actions of the alleged parties who were acting officers. We have experienced some unforeseen and unfortunate negative circumstances. This news was devastating to us, not only as active members of the organization, but also as parents and members of our community.
In early November 2014, upon complaints of inadequate and unsafe field and equipment conditions, notices of pending penalties and suspicion and reports of financial matters not being handled as according to our association’s by-laws, the board of directors quickly took action and relieved all officers from their elected positions and notified local authorities to begin an investigation. It was found at that time that the state of the organization was in financial hardship as all major vendors and associations were in arrears and actively seeking payment from previous years.
In lieu of these findings, the chairman of the board called an emergency meeting with all active coaches with proper clearances under the association roster within the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association, our governing association. As a result, we have elected a new board of officers, reviewed and revised any and all practices in regards to decision making and financial matters to ensure that they are within accordance of our association’s by-laws. We, the new board of officers, want to reassure the community that we accept this challenge and will take it head-on to once again make the Stoners a thriving and positive entity within the Greater Pittston community.
Since mid-November, when the change of officers took effect, the positive changes we hoped for have already been noticeable with lowering of registration costs, which has resulted in doubled the amount of player registrations for our spring season, involvement in community functions and announcement of upcoming fundraising efforts. We will holdi these fundraising events throughout the year of 2015 to raise funds that will allow us to continue to operate to the optimum and provide the most positive and beneficial experience for our youth. These funds will allow us to provide, but not limit, the opportunity to repay past debts, proper field maintenance, equipment and supplies, lower registration costs, player and coaching seminars and assist with association and organizational fees moving forward.
Thank you all for your continued support, trust and patience of the Greater Pittston Stoners Youth Soccer Association.