We need to change the indoor soccer fee structure back to what it was last year at the Fairgrounds YMCA in Watertown, NY.

THE ISSUES:

• Currently for Adult Leagues: the Watertown YMCA wants to charge each individual adult $90 to play. $90 x 13 players = $1,170 per team. Last year, the YMCA did a team fee of $650 per team, divided by 13 players = $50 per player. Almost a 100% increase in cost in just one year!! Adults also have to pay individually for indoor cleats, team uniforms (which "must" have numbers on them), and team practices (which are NOT included in registration fee). Every 6-10 weeks this fee will be paid to the YMCA, as it is only a one session fee.
• Currently for Youth Leagues: the Watertown YMCA wants to charge $10 more per player, bringing the non member fee to $90/player. So for nine, 46-minute games plus one playoff day, one must pay $90, in addition to individual costs for indoor cleats, team uniform, and practice fee (which is NOT included). Then, pay the $90 fee again 10-weeks later for the second winter session, and again after that for the spring session.
• No Meeting was held with YMCA members & patrons to discuss why these changes were being implemented. No meeting was held to discuss OUR opinion on the fee structure either. Where is all of this extra money going? Will they be upgrading equipment, getting better/more officials for games, will the leaking ceiling be fixed? So many questions, but no public meeting.....

The YMCA website says that the YMCA "welcomes all people regardless of race, age, gender, sexual orientation, ability, ethnicity, religion, or ABILITY TO PAY" and that the YMCA is "an association of people working TOGETHER to improve the quality of life for families, individuals, and the community". $10 less for youth leagues and TEAM FEE for adult leagues would improve the quality for our soccer community, that's for sure. Or at least a meeting where we can voice our opinions on these changes. This is outrageous and should be changed back ASAP to help keep people able to afford indoor soccer. Please sign this online petition to help show support (it is FREE to sign the petition!!)