I would like to dispute and correct your reported information regarding the teams at Malibu High.
Many of the players have a long history of playing on AYSO and CLUB soccer teams. They are dedicated, enthused and well trained. Malibu may have a small population of students; however, they are not short of players.
The Varsity team had an adequate number of players to provide for injuries and absence. The Junior Varsity team had a large number of players, willing to train and play for present competition and future Varsity placement. The Junior Varsity team, indeed, folded. Not for lack of players, but for lack of coaching and cohesion. Early in the season, when the varsity team experienced a reduction of players, Junior Varsity players were taken to fill Varsity positions. This left the Junior Varsity team with a reduction in players, and more importantly, a reduced enthusiasm and team spirit. The Junior Varsity players, who were taken to play Varsity positions, left the JV team without commitment and spirit for their school. The JV team was given a coach without soccer experience, and who did not schedule regular practice for the team. The JV team was committed to playing and winning their division, however, the coaching staff left the team. The JV team was stripped of their best players, in order to benefit the Varsity team and the Varsity winning streak. The Junior Varsity team has enormous strength and spirit. Many of their players competed on the Southern California AYSO finals in Bakersfield. The decision to strip the JV team of their players and their team spirit effectively eliminated an upcoming generation of players who will continue the winning spirit of the Malibu High Soccer Team.
Malibu High Administration must commit to upcoming Junior Varsity teams in all divisions and sports, if Malibu High is to maintain a reputation of sports expertise. To report that the Junior Varsity team was eliminated due to lack of enrollment is inaccurate. The team was reduced due to lack of coaching commitment and the draft of junior players to the Varsity team.
Please correct your reporting to reflect the accurate spirit of these boys. The boys reported for practice and games on a consistent basis. They were committed to competing and winning for their school. They were not given the support from the Malibu High administration, which they needed in order to complete the season.
Gail S. Copley