In light of COVID-19, the Holden Youth Soccer board of directors has suspended all soccer activities until Phase 3. Refer to https://www.mayouthsoccer.org/coronavirus/ for details on the return-to-play guidance from Massachusetts Youth Soccer.
HYS President Dave Murphy and HYS Board Member Steve Jaslowich are currently members of the Holden Open Space and Recreation Committee. We are currently working with the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission and the goal is to protect, maintain, and improve open spaces in our community, and explore the possibility of securing a grant to help with identified areas of interest. Part of this effort is appreciating what our community’s desires are, and below is a survey that we invite you to take to share your thoughts.
From an HYS standpoint, we believe that having a lighted, turf field will significantly improve our ability to serve our players and families. It would allow for increased accessibility to our programs and extend the on-field opportunities for practices and games, both in terms of length of season and the available hours on any given day. Our mission as an organization is to promote the game of soccer as a means of improving the physical, psychological, and social well-being of our players. We are currently offering more programs for all ability levels than at any time in our 45-year history. Having a first-class athletic facility available in-town would help us to continue to fulfill our mission for future generations. If you happen to agree with us, we would like to draw your attention to the 9th question in Sec. 6. Even if you differ, this is a terrific opportunity to let your thoughts be known and counted.
One of the other aspects that we’ve learned is that, often, our youth is underrepresented when it comes to open space planning. This is the case here as recent results show no responses from those age 18 and under. Thus, you may also ask your children for their responses and complete the survey on their behalf (or encourage them to complete the survey themselves if appropriate).
The survey will be open through the first week of March.
This is your opportunity to voice your opinion on the future of Holden's recreational facilities and open space resources. We appreciate your support and participation.
Respectfully, Dave Murphy, Steve Jaslowich and all of us at HYS ... See MoreSee Less
Today, we are honoring John Hlavachek and, not only the many years of service that he provided HYS, but also the many different responsibilities that he did. John served as a coach to many during his time with HYS, and a valued Board member. However, what you may not know is that John is also one of those unsung heroes behind the scenes whereby soccer doesn’t happen without him. John also served as our Fields and Equipment manager – ensuring that we had the fields to play, coordinating with the Town in so doing, ensured that they were lined properly because he did and led it himself, that our equipment (goals, nets, corner flags, etc.) where all assembled and up to par, managing orders when we needed. For us who helped John line the fields on (often rainy) weekends before season’s kickoff, we know how much work that truly entails. People talk about “thinking outside of the box”, but John walks it. For example, he took it upon himself after seeing the design flaw and lack of stability in established weights that are sold to hold the goals down, and he created is own out of PVC piping, sand, and wire. They are unique, durable and work great - just like you John! Thank you, John, for all that you’ve done! ... See MoreSee Less