Mitchell Soccer Association awarded $5,000 for fall tournament; board adds travel bonus for distant teams

Scott Mollummeister, identifying himself as tournament director for the Mitchell Soccer Association, asked the committee for $7,500 to support a fall 'cornucopia' soccer tournament and described current sign-ups and expense pressures.

Mollummeister said the association had roughly 20 registrations (about 13 outside teams and seven local teams, with additional teams expected) and is drawing teams from across the state and nearby Iowa and Nebraska. He described divisions (U10, U12, U13/U14), maximum roster sizes by division, and the association’s largest line item—referee fees, which he estimated at roughly $91–$92 for a U14 game.

On logistics, Mollummeister said certified referees are required for state sanctioning and insurance; entry fees were described as $4.25, $4.75 and $5.25 depending on division. He said concession operations will start small (snacks and packaged items) while the concession stand is readied for a fuller rollout in spring with city cooperation.

In executive session the committee voted to award $5,000 rather than the $7,500 requested, and a board member secured an additional condition that next year teams traveling more than 60 miles would be eligible for a $500 bonus. The motion was recorded as moved by Tim and seconded by Doug and subsequently passed.

Mollummeister said the registration deadline is Aug. 18 and that the association may extend it to fill brackets. He estimated total event expenses could exceed $10,000 without supplemental grants or sponsorships.

The committee’s award aims to help cover referee costs, field expenses and other tournament operating costs; staff will coordinate disbursement and any documentation required for the conditional travel bonus next year.