An Open Letter to NYSW Membership

from Oystein (Sandy) Ostebo

Having been in office now for one year as your president Id like to share some thoughts with you.

I truly appreciate the confidence you have shown in me by just electing me to a 2-year term. I feel I can look back with satisfaction at the many issues the NY West Board has been able to resolve this past year from (to highlight just some) revitalizing the Board, securing a sponsorship from Region I to help offset the loss of the Chevrolet sponsorship, a re-negotiated contract and complete settlement with Full90 reflecting the wishes of our membership, the elimination of Board stipends along with cutting of pay for BOD internet and phone service and vastly reducing attendance at conferences, a new agreement with Pullen Insurance providing better liability coverage, sending out a survey and receiving 80 responses, signing a business and marketing agreement with Varsity Publications to help us with our marketing and business functions, issuing our first two editions of the New York Network, to starting a Hall of Fame with the induction of three charter members: Roger Best, Willie Fitzpatrick and Doug May.

But in spite of all these and many other advances and just like I said one year ago, I am still acutely aware of the fact that there are many improvements and changes that yet need to be made. However, this is not something the Board can accomplish on its own; we will need your active involvement and cooperation in the form of input and recommendations and suggestions. Above all though, we need you to always be totally above board with us and deal with us in an honest and straight forward manner. I, on my part, can guarantee you that I will continue to do my utmost to always represent you honestly and in a professional manner that properly dignifies the office of the Presidency of the NYSWYSA. I can also promise you that I will give it my very best effort to make sure I will be leading a Board whose integrity and motives will never be in doubt.

I continue to look forward to getting to know many of you better and together face the numerous challenges that undoubtedly lie ahead. But mostly I am still excited about having the opportunity to share my passion and love for the game of soccer by working with a new Board and with all of you to provide the best possible program for the many youth we all represent. So when we get bogged down and when we disagree, let us remind each other that we are all doing this for the love of the game and for the love of the kids in NY West.

Sincerely,

Sandy