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Michigan Fire Juniors soccer club board resigns

Soccer parents and staff say resignations by the board of directors is a new beginning for the Michigan Fire Juniors.

JENISON, Mich.- The resignation of the board of directors and a promise to give parents more power is all part of a new beginning for the Michigan Fire Juniors youth soccer club in Hudsonville.

“We are excited,” says Michigan Fire Juniors executive director Neathan Gibson. “This is a new beginning and we are excited for the kids and families.”

But supporters admit it will take a lot of effort to rebuild the organization.

“I think we have a lot of work ahead of us,” says parent Lance Baldwin.

Many parents and players say they believe in the Michigan Fire Juniors soccer club, but some were unhappy about the previous board’s lack of transparency concerning coaches, finances and other issues.

Tuesday night that entire board resigned, and Michigan Fire is trying to reorganize and recover.

“We have needed transparency from day one,” says Gibson. "There has never been transparency and transparency makes a huge difference.”

Michigan Fire Juniors is the same group that had a coach under investigation for allegedly giving young players 5 Hour Energy Drink to improve performance. It appears the Michigan Youth Soccer Association decided no rules were violated and Michigan Fire is moving on.

“With the change in the board we are excited to again move this club in the right direction,” says Gibson.

“I love the program,” says Baldwin. “My kids have played in the program for over three years now. Not having it just wouldn't feel right.”

Michigan Fire Juniors is affiliated with the Chicago Fire professional soccer club. Tryouts in the various age brackets for boys and girls are coming up later in June. The group is hoping for a big turnout.

“We are very unique in the state of Michigan,” says Gibson. “We are the only MLS affiliate. We have a lot of opportunity for kids in the club.”

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