The proposed new soccer association Albion FC has been denied its application for membership in the Alouette District Youth Soccer Association.
Mike Smith, one of the founders of the new association, said an appeal has already been launched with B.C. Soccer, based on conflict of interest.
The ADYSA maintains that the decision was made by an independent committee that has no affiliation with the West Coast Auto Group FC, Mission Soccer Club or Albion FC.
In its decision, the committee noted “Albion FC willfully chose not to participate in this process.”
The committee said Albion FC did not offer a business plan, has no elected board members, and did not have verified rosters of at least four teams. The committee said a new club would threaten the viability of the Mission Soccer Club, and could poach players from “the existing club” (WCAGFC).
Answering some of the criticism, Smith said Albion FC has a list of elected members, and has more than enough players to meet the team requirements. He said the minimum roster requirements seem to be at odds with poaching fears.
Smith agreed he was loath to submit marketing plans to the committee.
“Would you give your business plan to your competitor?”
He said Albion FC will not harm any other club.
“We would like to see this go, because there is a real community outcry for this,” said Smith.
“If the kids are having fun and staying fit, that’s the end game.”