Why an Advisory Board?

What is the definition of an "advisory board"?
An advisory board is a group of individuals who have been assembled on a voluntary basis to offer advice and guidance to the management team of a company, but without the authority to mandate implementation of the advice.

An advisory board differs from a professional corporate board of directors which has legal responsibility and authority, and therefore, legal exposure.

Small businesses often benefit from advisory boards for the business as a whole, or specialized areas such as science, technology, sales & marketing, fundraising or any other specialization.

Even for individual entrepreneurs, an advisory board is a great way to get advice and counsel from an impartial source.



Why an Elite Soccer Development Advisory Board?
Our vision at Elite Soccer Development is to be regarded as the leader and catalyst in complete player development. As a newly established Club it is vital for ESD to brainstorm, involve and collaborate with likeminded leaders that share the same vision and philosophy in player development. As with all successful corporations we believe the Elite Soccer Development Club will be stronger organization as a result of incorporating an Advisory Board.

The club's vision includes international exposure, scholarship & networking opportunities, and to be in the position to create such professional opportunities | programs to all passionate young athletes from all skill levels regardless of their financial resources.

The goals and visions of the ESD are extremely realistic but will require discipline, perseverance and a wealth of resources that are just not available at the current infancy stage of the club. Therefore, the Elite Soccer Development Club are reaching out to parents and members of the corporate community to join forces to assist in creating a powerful, meaningful and successful product...the complete athlete.

The Purpose of Advisory Committee is:

• to provide parents with the opportunity to gain greater understanding of the Elite Soccer Development Club;
• to assist the ESD in carrying out its business function in various capacities;
• to give input into ESD program based decisions;
• to participate in business goal setting;
• to unify efforts of the ESD towards the goal of quality training & athletic development;
• to become an active member of the community;
• to monitor, review and assist with ESD rules and conduct, the safety programs, the training programs; learning materials, equipment, fundraising, sponsorship and recruitment;
• to educate parents;
• to advocate equal training opportunities for all students;
• to liaise with other sporting partners and organizations; and
• to provide methods to resolve problems between the ESD and community by directing parents and students to the Advocacy project.

The Advisory Committee is NOT:
A committee to discuss an individual's athletic development | training | performance levels and/or conflicts.



Who does the Elite Soccer Development Advisory Board consist of?
The Elite Soccer Development Advisory Committee will consist of the following volunteer positions and will serve a minimum one (1) 12-month term to a maximum of three (3) consecutive 12-month terms. The positions include:

1. Chair
2. Co-Chair
3. Sponsorship
4. Recruiting | Registration
5. Fundraising
6. Finance | Treasurer – Fundraising Initiatives
7. Secretary | Administration
   
   In addition to the above volunteer positions, the Advisory Board will also include:
8. ESD President - Clayton Rosario
9. ESD Partner - James McGillivray
10. Meeting Facilitator - bipartisan consultant

Advisory Board Member - Volunteer Position Description
Title: Advisory Board Member
Purpose: Serves as a strategic thought leader, collaborator and catalyst for action representing the Elite Soccer Development Club.
Key Responsibilities:

• Identifies, articulates and prioritizes the issues, topics and challenges affecting the Elite Soccer Development Club.
• Identifies "best in class" developments within the appropriate context and potential impacts on the ESD.
• Shares experiences, expertise and contacts related to the content/constituency area.
• Identifies other subject-matter experts and knowledge leaders who can support the organization in a variety of ways and works to expand the organization's reach.
• Identifies and proposes additional solutions that are suitable to the growth and development of the ESD.
• Participates in meetings, conference calls, task teams and other activities to the fullest extent possible.
• Strives to ensure connection of committee activity to the Elite Soccer Development's mission, strategy and objectives.
• Represents the interests of the ESD and is an advocate for the organization.
• Collaborates with other Advisory Committee Members / organization liaisons to serve as the champions of the ESD strategy integration and development.

Advisory Board Chair (additional responsibilities):

• Serves as the team leader of the Advisory Board Committee
• Presides at meetings and conference calls of the Advisory Board
• Advocates for the interests of the Advisory Board with the Executive Elite Soccer Development Team.
• Provides strategic focus and leadership to the group relative to the interest area represented by the Advisory Board

Qualifications (or selection criteria):

• Thought leader with professional experience in basic business committee functions, with increasing responsibility for strategic development, programs and functions
• Variety of industry experience, both as a specialist and generalist with experiences representative of membership makeup
• Excellent communication skills
• Recommendation by the Executive Elite Soccer Development Team
• Finance |Treasurer - an accounting designation (CGA, GA) preferred

Time Commitment:

• Attend monthly advisory board meetings, typically held the first Thursday evening of each month
• Participate in at least two all-advisory board conference calls per year
• Respond to requests, via e-mail and phone, for feedback and input on a variety of items, such as research, surveys, fundraising, registration, comment letters, and other EDS activities

What's in it for you? The Benefits:

• Give back to the sport: Share your professional expertise, insights and experiences to develop emerging young athletes and professionals.
• Drive the ESD's strategy: Help guide the direction of the region's premier soccer organization in young athlete development and training.
• Work with your peers: Experience valuable networking opportunities with your peers and give the young athlete's of the organization role models to follow.
• Engage in strategic dialogue about the profession: Through routine meetings, participate in robust discussions about ESD strategies to attract, motivate and retain young athletes. Help your fellow Advisory Board members and the executive ESD team identify and articulate trends that will shape the profession and the organization on how to respond and capitalize on the trends that are shaping the profession.
• Sharpen your leadership skills: Participate in committee work and sharpen your business leadership skills in a supportive, non-work environment.

JOIN US:
If you would like to discuss the Advisory Board role please contact us at info@elitesoccerdevelopment.com