Plum Area Youth Soccer Club was formed in 1987.  Before that local soccer was run through the YMCA.  A group of people decided that it would be more beneficial to start an organization dedicated solely to promoting soccer.  Even though the YMCA did a good job, there were many other activities being sponsored by the YMCA, and some people thought the soccer program did not get as much support as was needed.

       When the club was formed it needed a place to practice and play.   An agreement was made with the Borough of Plum securing a 99 year lease to play soccer at Holiday Hills Park (now Larry Mills Park).  The baseball association has the same agreement with the borough at their complex.  When the soccer club first started at Larry Mills Park there were also two baseball fields there, one on the upper fields and one on the lower fields.  Since the soccer club has the rights to use property next to the baseball fields, it was agreed between the soccer club and the baseball association to consolidate their respective organizations.  The baseball association gave up the two fields at Larry Mills Park and the soccer club gave up its rights along Ross Hollow Road.  Baseball  went on to build Boro Fields #7 and #8 on that property.
 

       All of our In-House programs (U-6, U-8, U-10) take place at Larry Mills Park.  But until the mid-90’s where the two large travel fields are was a grassy hill side where cars where parked.   During that time our travel program practiced  and played their games on one of two fields we kept permits for at the Boyce Park Soccer Fields (Monroeville Soccer Club used the third one).  Since the new area at Larry Mills Park was flattened and two full size fields were made our travel program as moved the majority of their activities to Larry Mills Park.  Although during the spring we now apply to the School District for use of the High School field and Pivik Soccer field for travel team practices since the HS sports are inactive in the spring.  All travel games are played at Larry Mills Park.

       There are many ways.  We put our registration dates and place in the Advance Leader, on the local cable TV channel and have it announced at the Plum Council Meetings.  Dates and forms are also available on our website.  In the spring we also make enough copies to pass out through the school district to all elementary classes.  Some people have called to say their children did not receive registration forms at school.  We are only allowed to drop them off to the administrative assistants at the school.  They are divided up by the soccer club in the appropriate numbers for each classroom.  The Soccer Club relies on the Administrative Assistant to get them to each teacher, and to each teacher to hand them out.  We cannot guarantee they do this.  Also families who have played previously know about when registration takes place and should be looking bar info.  But every year we have plenty of people who register late because they say they did not know.
 

       Our Youth Recreational League (In-House program) for the U-6, U-8, and U-10 teams select their coaches from volunteer parents.  Some know the game some do not.  We try to office advice and practical knowledge for our coaches.  Some take advantage of this, some do not. We offer to pay for their training and continuing coaching classes on the Club level.  The best new coaches develop an enjoyment to teach the game and positively effecting young players lives.  The parent who coach because no one else could be found often leaves after a season or two and doesn’t always have the same enthusiasm.  Since we are always desperately seeking new coaches we must use what we get and some are better then others.
       While some coaches will fall away, others will develop a liking for coaching.  And by the time 4 seasons of U-6 soccer, 4 seasons of U-8 soccer, and the first 2 season of U-10 soccer go by, one of these original coaches (maybe 2 or 3 of them) will make known to the parents he is going to put together a competitive traveling team in that particular age group.  He must then write a letter of interest to the board of directors also stating his experience.  A three panel committee (Coach Development, Player Development, and Boys/Girls Travel Coordinator) will recommend to the board the coach for that particular team.
       Coaches who would like to know more about coaching long term and attending coaching classes should contact the Coach Development Coordinator.
 

       At the recreational level (U-6, U-8, and U-10) the teams are formed by the age group coordinators.  The club’s philosophy at this level is to change is to change teams every season.  We get requests for neighbors riding together or for special coaches.  We are sympathetic but cannot guarantee to be able to honor any requests.  Only the child of the coach is guaranteed to play on his team.
       Competitive travel teams (over U-10) are formed at tryouts held every year for each age group we field  teams in.  They are conducted by their travel coordinators.  For more information contact the Boys Travel Coordinator or the Girls Travel Coordinator.

       Safety is the only reason we will postpone again. The weather condition is secondary. Soccer is an outdoor game that is played in rain or sun, snow or dirt, hot or cold. Lightning will stop a game or field conditions deemed unsafe for play. These decision will be made by the Field Coordinator and overall In-House Coordinator and will be posted on the website as soon as determined. When in doubt, figure the game is on. Make-up games are hard to reschedule.