In this Member Spotlight, we shift focus to a feel-good story happening in eastern Ohio. The Newark Area Soccer Association, or NASA, has been a long-standing member of their community and played an important role in the growth of the game in Newark and the surrounding areas. This includes Dresden, further to the east and north of Zanesville, which recently saw their local recreational league fold.
With their expertise in building a league, NASA has reached out to help the recently formed Tri-Valley Scotties Youth Soccer League establish themselves in the Dresden community. We caught up with Keith Long and Sean Dale from NASA to get the scoop!
- What was the inspiration behind helping SYSL get started? Why did you want to help?
The Tri-Valley High School and Dresden community had lost the youth league that was previously operating. Both High School (boys and girls) coaches are involved to start and help the league progress. We believe that the new league will help players matriculate into the high school in future years.
- How did this all start?
The genesis was a mutual collaboration. NASA being a larger and charitable organization helps give the league structure, financial stability, and backing. The Newark Area Soccer Association is able to sustain a small loss until the league grows.
- How is the league organized?
The Tri-Valley/Scottie Youth Soccer League is an Ohio registered DBA under the Newark Area Soccer Association. We are able to offer greater pricing scale on many items that a league requires to operate in regards to vendors and supplies. The partnership between NASA and Dresden community leaders helps build the league and ready it for expansion of recreational offerings. Many coaching and referee resources have a common base between NASA and SYSL.
- How does it benefit the game in eastern Ohio?
The greatest benefit is obviously another local league on offer for recreational play. It will be a developing feeder league for the boys and girls middle and high school programs.
- Has being involved with OSA been of benefit during this experience?
Yes, and we hope to call on OSA for more support with coaching education and referees as the league progresses.
- What is the ultimate objective in helping this league grow?
I think it sort of speaks for itself. We want the sport to grow in this area and strengthen what’s available in eastern Ohio. We expect to have more children playing and having fun, with a positive impact on the playing level from the younger age groups into the middle and high school levels.
You can find more information about NASA here.
You can find more information about Tri-Valley – SYSL here.
