In spring of 2003, I registered my son for youth soccer (the Newton branch), and prepaid in cash ($175.00). I was assured that I would be called by August of that year to have a team assigned and begin practices.
Late August rolled around and still no phone call. My nephew, who had registered 2 weeks AFTER my son had not only been assigned a team by now, but had 5 practices already. This worried me, so I started to make phone calls. I was given several different names and numbers, and most of the time I had to leave voicemail messages for someone that WOULD NOT CALL BACK.
When people did call back (the secretary, vice chairperson, etc) no one seemed to know why we had not been assigned a team, or when this would be happening. After a couple of weeks of this and having spoken to a dozen or so different people who seemed clueless, I ended up registering my son at a different branch (Whalley) of the same association, and having to pay yet again. I called the first branch and asked for a refund. This seemed to be the magic word, as it got me a phone call back almost immediately.
I was told that I needed to fill out a refund request form, but if I didn't have it in by the deadline I would not even be considered. So I ran over to the head office in 30 degree heat (and was VERY VERY pregnant, I might add) and filled out my forms (on time).
Then the wait began to hear about the refund. What do you know? Instead of a phone call from a staff member of the head office, I got a phone call from the coach that my son had finally been placed on a team.By now it was September, and I told the coach of our situation and the fact that we were already involved in the Whalley branch. We declined to have our son play for both, and this is something that is strictly forbidden, according to the rules of the soccer association.
In mid September, 2 days before I was due to give birth, I received a call from a very rude man who announced himself as being "second in command" of the Surrey Youth Soccer Association. He was condescending and sarcastic, and informed me that under "no circumstances" would I get my $175.00 back, not even a portion of it. He said first that the money goes for the child's uniform. I told him that we never got one, as my son never played for the Newton branch.
He had many different reasons and excuses as to why we could not have our money. I told him that I was due to give birth any day, and we needed that money more than ever as our son needed clothes, etc. for school and I was no longer working.By now I was in tears, begging him to help us have just a portion of that money back. He actually laughed at me!
What a jerk! Told me that if I paid twice, tough. I couldn't believe it. I told him that I would be contacting the Better Business Bureau, media, etc, and he told me to go ahead and laughed again (they are no longer in good standing with the BBB, by the way). Finally I gave up and got off the phone, feeling frustrated and humiliated beyond belief. I gave up trying, as I just was in no shape to fight with them on a daily basis anymore.
I would like to send a warning to anyone thinking about enrolling their child in the Newton branch of the Surrey Youth Soccer Association... BUYER BEWARE!!!
Mel
Delta, British Columbia
Canada
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