November 6, 2009

Open letter to all Parents,

Many of you have no doubt heard or read about the Direct Access Grant situation.  VGSC, like most other soccer clubs (and various other sports and cultural organizations) has relied heavily for the past few years on Direct Access Grant funding.  The BC government, with essentially no warning, drastically cut Direct Access Grant funding for arts and cultural organizations for 2009/2010.   

VGSC was not spared these cuts.  This year, we received only a fraction of the funds received in prior years.

There had been some hope that the cuts would be modified and additional funds made available.  It appears this is not going to happen.  We are going to have to live with the cut in Direct Access Grant funding for the full 2009/2010 season.  The cuts may well be permanent, and funding may not be restored next year.

VGSC is not alone in this situation.  Some soccer clubs did not receive any Direct Access Grant funds at all this year, while others, like our club, received about the same percentage of their prior years’ funding. 

The cut in Direct Access Grant funding will have a significant impact on VGSC’s ability to deliver “non-core” programs and opportunities this season.  The only possible way to alleviate these cuts is through fundraising, sponsorships or new funding sources. 

On the basis of our current financial situation, here is the reality we face:

1. There are no funds available for paid VGSC positions. 
2. There are no funds available for club contribution to team tournament entry fees;
3. There are no funds available for club contribution to player development programs;
4. There are no funds available for team photos; and
5. There will likely be substantially reduced funds available for Spring 2010 tryouts.

These are difficult cuts to make, but we have no alternative. 

The Board proposes the following solutions to this dilemma:
(a) more parent/volunteer participation in running of the Club; and
(b) fundraising. 

We are looking for fundraising ideas and initiatives and sponsorship opportunities, as well as your time and commitment to continue to make VGSC a great club for our daughters. 

Michelle Griffin, board member and mini league rep, has volunteered to coordinate parent responses to this initiative.  If you have fundraising initiatives, sponsorship opportunities or if you are able to give some time to volunteer, could you please contact Michele by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Yours truly,
VANCOUVER GIRLS SOCCER CLUB
Gregory J. Tucker
On behalf of the BoardG
GJT/laf 

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A PDF copy of this letter can be found by clicking here