Anthony Spinks urges MSD Shakamak board to consider establishing school soccer program

Anthony Spinks, president of the FHS Soccer League, asked the MSD Shakamak Schools board during a work session to consider creating a school soccer program, saying the outside league has already attracted local students. "Out of our 15 kids that we have so far, I think 9 or 10 of them are from [Shakamak]," Spinks said, and argued soccer offers playing time for students who do not participate in baseball or basketball.

Board members and coaches pressed for details on feasibility, costs and Title IX implications. The board chair said a bare minimum roster looks like 14 players and an ideal full roster is "18 to 22," and noted officials' costs were a concern: one board member said officials typically cost about $100 each and three officials can lead to an about-$300 expense per game. The chair requested a student-interest survey, a participation-overlap analysis to measure how a school team would affect existing sports, a first-year budget projection and a maintenance feasibility study for fields and goals before returning the item for further consideration. No formal action was taken; the presentation was informational.

"If we keep 1 kid from going out and getting trouble... playing soccer, then we've done our job," Spinks said, framing the proposal as a way to expand opportunities. The board asked Spinks to provide the names of the 10 students he referenced and encouraged staff to compile data on numbers, costs and scheduling so trustees can weigh the tradeoffs. The district will not make a decision until staff deliver the requested survey and budget materials.