Hello MIFC Families,

As we wind up the summer and school starts we also get to start a new fall soccer season which is busiest time of the year for MIFC.

We look forward to a season that should be fairly “normal” this year. Somehow we dodged the heat domes and wildfire smoke that have plagued us the last couple of years. That is a welcome change. We have new fields at South Mercer! This is a boon for all sports organizations on the island but especially for MIFC. We are so happy to have this resource. Please do your best to be a good steward of the new fields as well as the legacy fields we have. We want to thank MI Schools and MI Parks and Rec for all of their hard work in managing and getting the fields ready us.

We are pleased to be fielding over 300 players on 18 Select and XL teams, 83 players on 9 Juniors teams, over 300 players on 24 Recreational teams as well as almost 200 six and seven year-olds experiencing organized soccer for the first time in our Microsoccer program.

For the first time this year, MIFC will be offering a TopSoccer program for kids who want exposure to the game but are not ready or equipped to be in a traditional team environment.

Here are a couple of support/learning opportunities for volunteer coaches:

• Coaching Clinic tonight, Friday, September 22^nd at 5pm on the South Mercer playfields
• Director of Soccer, Paul Bayly, will host office hours starting the week of September 26^th for volunteer coaches.

We look forward to returning to the pitch along with our volunteer coaches, team managers and referees – there are over 100 of you! Thanks to all of those who give their time to kids and the club. It is truly appreciated.

Finally, if you would like to get involved with club leadership please contact me at president@mifc.org as we are actively looking for a few board members for the upcoming board cycle beginning in November.

Greg Snyder

MIFC Board President

Coaches Corner: MIFC needs referees!

Last season we had many reports of no game day referees so now is your chance to get certified and help ensure we have coverage for all our games.

If you are 13 or older you can start reffing games.

For those turning 13 in the fall, you can get certified now so you are ready to go when you are 13.  

MIFC always needs referees from all groups: players, parents, soccer fans, and encourages everyone to consider the opportunity of supporting the club and the players becoming a referee. 

Referees are an important part of the soccer community, and a great way to engage in an active way with the sport. MIFC needs always referees from all groups: players, parents, soccer fans, and encourages everyone to consider the opportunity of supporting the club and the players becoming a referee.

Why should you be interested in refereeing?

We really recommend becoming a referee whether you're a player or a parent.

As a player you will always have a day free on the weekend where you can referee. You get to pick your own games so you can organize your games around one field so you don’t have to move much.

It pays well, so for middle schoolers who aren’t old enough to work yet but want money they can get involved and make good money while being around the game.

For parents who want to get involved, being a certified referee gives the opportunity to see your kids in action or compare with other kids of similar age; and it can have big benefits for your kids as well: if the referee doesn’t show up or the full referee crew isn’t there then if you have your shirt then you can make sure the kids games go ahead.

Available clinics: You can find available clinics at Available Clinics (wareferees.org). For more information on how to get involved with refereeing, head to wareferees.org or ask for information at info@mifc.org. 

Mercer Island High School Girls Soccer!

Finally, a shout out to our local MIHS Girls Soccer team and program. Their season has just started and be sure to find the time to catch a game or two and support our local stars! You can find the MIHS Girls Soccer Varsity Team Schedule here.