Monticello Live

Brian Hairston of the newly formed Southeast Arkansas Futbol League (SAFL) addressed the city parks committee regarding the formation of the league,  and made a request to play soccer at the Monticello Sports Complex this season, that there Tuesday meeting.

The league is affiliated with the Arkansas State Soccer Association(ASSA). Two representatives, Jennifer Pfiefer (Executive Director) and Tennille Stanger (Programs Director) were in attendance as well.

The SAFL will offer a league that complies with the rules and standards of the ASSA. The league will offer opportunities for kids of various ages and locations (throughout SEARK) to play, participate in player clinics, coaching clinics, referring clinics, post season play, and possible tournaments at the Sports Complex.

The ASSA has surveyed our complex and states that all fields appear to be in compliance with the rules and standards of the organization. The group commented that they were highly impressed with our facility.

The SAFL, in accordance with ASSA regulations, will begin as a “recreational” league and can progress into a more competitive league in future seasons.

League play is anticipated to begin during the Fall of 2017. The league has stated there will be limited overlap with the current soccer league (MYSA) and that they would work with MYSA regarding scheduling.

Mr. Hairston mentioned that local high school soccer programs were pleased with the affiliation with ASSA. He said the coaches though the new affiliation and standardized rules (that are more inline with high school soccer rules) would better prepare those who decide to continue playing the sport in high school.

The ASSA reps told the committee that, along with extensive training for coaches, the organization requires back ground checks for all coaches.

The background checks are handled through the state organization. Also, referee certification is offered through the ASSA.

The parks committee agreed to grant the league’s request to play soccer at the Sports Complex.

The league will be required to sign a contract, submit by laws, submit a list of board members, and submit schedules; just as any other league is required.

This entry was posted on Friday, January 20th, 2017 at 12:41 am and is filed under Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.