Editor:
Re: Sun Devils cruise to Delta Challenge Cup win, Sept. 10
As the SDSS Sun Devils football team Booster Club (parent volunteers who serve as program, administrative and financial coordinators for the team), we would like to thank sports editor Mark Booth, countless photographers and the Delta Optimist for the ongoing interest and exceptional coverage that you have given to the team over the years.
The in-depth coverage every season is vital in creating and sustaining community interest in the players and coaches, and in recognizing the hard work and dedication they put into each game.
We would also like to take this opportunity to correct a possible misperception about football funding that may have arisen from the above article. The article reviewed the season opener exhibition game and spoke to the uncertainty of the coming season. Head Coach Ray Moon also discussed the team's trip to Kelowna on Sept. 12 and stated this overnight trip will cost the Sun Devils approximately $5,000.
In this challenging time of the teachers' labour dispute where cuts to education funding have been identified as a significant issue, it is important for us to clarify that the Sun Devils football team operates entirely on monies collected from player registration fees, parent fundraising, donations and sponsorship from community businesses, and donations from the SDSS PAC.
The football team does not receive any regular funding from the high school or the school board, funding that might otherwise go towards classroom and/or teacher resources. The team is also coached entirely by volunteer coaches, none of whom are teachers or administrative staff. Every year the team must raise the funds to cover all team equipment and uniform purchases, all bus transportation costs to and from games, all ferry, hotel and meal costs when out of town games are scheduled, and a multitude of other ongoing costs. As a high school football team, we are also ineligible for gaming grants.
The enormous task of fundraising is a year round job, even though the season lasts less than four months. It is only due to the tremendous volunteer efforts of coaches and parents, and the generous support of our local businesses and community, that the football team is able to meet its financial obligations each year.
We appreciate the opportunity to set the record straight with regard to Sun Devils football funding, and we look forward to an exciting season of AAA high school football. Go Devils!
Linda Cooper - Program Coordinator
Jo-Anne Kirk - Administrative Coordinator
Jeff and Cathy von Ende - Financial Coordinators SDSS Sun Devils Football Booster Club
