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| When the Adult Mixed Soccer League (AMSL) was founded in 1979, it consisted of a small number of teams comprised mainly of thirty-something men trying to have a good time playing soccer and thought they could get their wives involved. Most of the participants were not active players but were rather quite new to the game of soccer or had not played in many years. And although scores were kept, teams were more concerned with keeping the league a fun and exciting place to play summer soccer as opposed to the number of goals they scored.
As we move into our 25th season, the dynamics of the league have changed quite a bit. We have gone through a vast expansion in the past 5 years and have grown in size to 16 teams.
Most of the players are now regulars on the soccer field as many are currently on rosters throughout the VMSL, FVSL and MWSL. We are also very privileged to have players who have competed at the national level play for AMSL teams in recent years.
However, with this change comes an increased level of competitiveness and it is important to remember why we all play summer coed soccer in the first place - to relax, to take a break from the rigors of winter soccer and to have some fun!
As for the players who "try hard", they can now "take the piss" out of someone off the field through a different forum....which leads me to my next point.
The AMSL has formed a unique partnership with one of its own players - Regs - the total bastard behind the Take The Piss (TTP) website.
Starting with the 2002 season, the AMSL has jumped into the 21st century and will now be posting all of its scores, schedules and standings on the TTP Website. This will allow for better player access to standings, schedules and game scores.
Finally, I leave you with a quote adopted from the AMSL Presidents before me:
"The infant has become a child; the child an adolescent; and now the adolescent an adult"
I look forward to this seasons games and to what the future may hold for the AMSL.
See you at the far post!
Jeremy Herd
Past President, AMSL
Paul Sirec |
