Last month at the D7 meeting, I announced that it was election time for the role of District 7 Commissioner. I also shared that, at the end of this term, I will have served as D7 DC for 18 years… and yes, yes — Linda still holds the record with 20.
An Honor and a Changing Game
It has truly been an honor to serve as District 7 Commissioner. It’s a volunteer position, but one that rewards you in countless ways. The people, from League Administrators to volunteer staff, make stepping away a very difficult decision.
But the game and the industry have changed dramatically. It’s now a huge operation, run very differently from when I started coaching and refereeing in Lemoore Youth Soccer over 35 years ago.
The Need for New Leadership
District 7 now needs new 
fresh ideas, and new energy. The real power of D7 lies in its members. If everyone works together, you can rebuild and grow.
“Drop the elite mindset. Just get kids on the field.”
Put Kids First 
And yes — we need more players playing, especially U6 through U10 boys and girls. At those ages, selection should be based on kids simply wanting to play. Drop the elite mindset. Just get kids on the field.
Too many believe they need to win the World Cup at age six. Last time I checked, even FIFA doesn’t have a U6 World Cup. The more players you bring in, the better chance you have of discovering the next GOAT.
The Challenge
