The Moose Jaw Soccer Association (MJSA) held an information meeting for its members on Monday night at the Pla Mor Place to clear up some misconceptions in the public. 

Also in attendance were City of Moose Jaw Recreation Services manager Scott Osmachenko and Saskatchewan Soccer Association executive director Doug Peterson. 

It all started with a letter that was posted on the soccer association’s Facebook page in which the board of directors issued an apology to the former coaches and manager of the Celtics team. The letter, however, did not specify what happened other than stating "all the transgressions that have taken place since Feb. 7 of this year." 

The board issued a formal statement to the members saying a complaint was filed by the former coaches and manager and a judicial process by the Saskatchewan Soccer Association (SSA) found that the MJSA erred on the matter of the release of volunteer roles within the Celtic program. 

MJSA was fined by the SSA, which has been paid. The MJSA learned that details of the judicial ruling are confidential and are not being made public.

In the meantime, the board took full responsibility for the actions of the MJSA staff and issued an apology. 

When the current board of directors was installed in November, the board did a review of public records and found overdue bills and fees totaling over $24,000.

These fees included disconnected phones, Canadian Revenue Agency remittance and fees to the City of Moose Jaw for use of the Yara Centre. These fees have since been paid in full as they threatened the soccer association’s non-profit status as well as a venue to play at. 

Financially, the board said the association is still in the black but would have more details at their annual general meeting.

The board announced that the executive and technical director for Moose Jaw Soccer, who was not named for privacy reasons, has been dismissed with cause. It was made clear at the meeting that the employee was not dismissed for their coaching abilities or actions on the pitch, but for administration transgressions behind the scenes. 

Acting chair Mike Armstrong explained how they will be filling the technical director position. 

“Many associations don't have a technical director, they rely on the membership, and that's what we want to do. And we've changed the direction we're going to have an administrative assistant instead,” he said. 

Moving forward, Moose Jaw soccer saw increased registration in the U5, U9 and U11 divisions and an increase in coaches and volunteers, a trend the board is hoping to see continue. 

It was also learned that the association has applied for a grant from the SSA to bring in more resources to help with coaching and officiating. 

One of the divisions that the association is going to put emphasis on is girls' soccer. 

“The women’s program in Saskatchewan has been lacking for many years, and it's been lacking in Moose Jaw Soccer for just as many years, if not longer, and we recognize that we want to build that program,” Armstrong said. 

The board is also looking to standardize the programs so players are getting the appropriate coaching. 

Meanwhile, there will be no Celtics team that will be competing this season. Instead, there will be Celtic development and elite programs to develop players. 

The board was asked why Celtic coaches should return after what happened. They were told that they are valued as coaches and things happened that never should have happened. 

The MJSA is always looking for volunteers and members to sit on the board of directors. Those interested are best to attend their annual general meeting in October.