BSA News

The Latest BSA Fall Sports Programming News

Thank you all for your patience over the past few weeks as we've navigated the ups and downs of coordinating our fall programming during the Covid-19 pandemic. While it may seem that much of life has returned to some level of normal, as a small, not-for-profit organization, BSA is at times especially vulnerable to the uncertainty of the situation. We are grateful for the many questions and inquiries we've received over the past few weeks.

The following information will also be shared in the BSA Monthly Newsletter. We are sharing it here as well and will add more news as things change. Thank you again for your patience and understanding.

BSA Fall Soccer and Lacrosse

Due to the Covid-19 situation, ISB has let us know they are unable to accommodate regular BSA soccer and lacrosse programming at this time. The school is, understandably, taking a cautious approach in allowing individuals not affiliated with the school to come onto campus. Because BSA is dedicated to bringing together young people from across the international community of Brussels, regardless of school affiliation, this means right now we are not able to access the school fields after school and on weekends.

ISB+ Soccer (for ISB Families Only)

It is our understanding that ISB is in the planning phase for ISB+ Activities and we can confirm that if/when ISB+ Activities are opened, BSA will be offering after school soccer programming for grades 1-6. The intention is for this programming to focus on skill development and training. Stay tuned to your ISB Newsflash as well as the BSA Facebook page for more updates.

What's Next...

BSA is a small, mostly volunteer-run non-profit. We rely on the support of our dedicated partners and sponsors to bring our high-quality sports programming to the international community in Brussels. For over 60 years, BSA's largest in-kind partner has been the International School of Brussels. We are extremely grateful for ISB's commitment to BSA and we remain incredibly appreciative of ISB's support in terms of field and gym space, logistical support and dedication to promoting BSA's programs. We couldn't do what we do without ISB! 

We are thrilled that ISB+ will, for the third year in a row, include BSA Soccer for ECC and Elementary School. We look forward to seeing some of your children on the pitch after school! We're looking for 6 volunteer coaches to support ISB+. That could be you! Email our Soccer Director Jamie Martino (soccer@bsasports.org) if you're interested in volunteering as a soccer coach.

In the upcoming weeks, BSA will continue to work with ISB so that, in the event that BSA is granted access for regular BSA programming, we are able to open registration. We anticipate having an update by mid-September and are committed to keeping you all informed. In the meantime, BSA's leadership is continuing to look for affordable, alternative field options. If you are aware of options that may work for BSA, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Welcome BSA's New Basketball Director!

BSA is pleased to welcome the newest member of our leadership team - Darby Carter. Darby has just been confirmed by the Board of Directors as our new Basketball Director. We are absolutely thrilled to have him on board! 

 More About Darby...

Darby was raised in Asheville, North Carolina and joined the U.S. Marine Corps after graduating high school. After 22 years of service, he retired from the USMC in 2014. During his career with the USMC, he served in numerous locations throughout the United States and overseas. He previously served in Brussels with his wife, Kim, from 2005-2008.  

Darby has been involved in basketball his entire life through intramural sports, coaching youth sports, and adult recreational leagues.  He enjoys being involved in communities and believes sports offer a great opportunity to not only advance athleticism and team skills which are invaluable in youth development, but also grow self-confidence and teach flexibility to adapt in all situations.

Darby, Kim, and their daughter Rainey have lived in Fairfax, Virginia; Stuttgart, Germany; Stockholm, Sweden; Ljubljana, Slovenia; Zagreb, Croatia, and just returned to Brussels in July 2020. Darby also has an older son, Joe, who lives and works in Fairfax, Virginia.

May 20, 2020

Dear Parents and Supporters of Brussels Sports Association (BSA),

We are writing to inform you that our leadership team has had to make the difficult decision to cancel the spring sporting season due to Covid-19 restrictions. We recognize that this will be a disappointment to all of our BSA children and families who were excited for spring baseball, lacrosse, and soccer.  Our team of parent and community volunteers is feeling the same way.

We are facing an unprecedented financial situation and confronting the reality of what this loss means for the future of BSA. As a not-for-profit organization, we rely heavily upon the generosity of our sponsors, the commitment of our volunteers and the income from registration fees to cover our operations expenses.    

What is the current status for BSA?

Our most pressing issue is addressing the financial implications of the evolving Covid-19 pandemic.  Prior to the lock down, BSA made a significant investment in equipment needed to safely play our spring sports. Equipment such as baseball nets, balls, tees, training equipment, and lacrosse helmets were all purchased in advance of the season. Consistent with standard procedures, we made these purchases with the anticipation that a strong turnout for our programs would cover costs. Additionally, BSA relies on registration fees to cover ongoing administrative costs including insurance, salaries and operational expenses.  

What is our goal?

• BSA hopes to raise 10,000 euros to cover the cost of non-returnable equipment purchased for spring sports and meet our ongoing financial obligations.

What can you do to help?

• If you registered for a spring program, you are entitled to a refund or a credit to your account. We also invite you to consider donating the amount of your registration to BSA.  Click here for instructions.  

• Consider making a donation.  Click here to donate.

BSA has served the international community in Belgium since 1958 by providing soccer, basketball, baseball, and lacrosse. Throughout the summer we will be working hard to determine what type of programming we will be able to offer in the fall.  Your donations will help ensure the survival of our organization and enable us to continue providing quality sports programming to your children for years to come.  

 

Kind Regards,

Kat Reine, Executive Director (Incumbent)

Jodi Harris,  Executive Director (Successor)

Jodi Harris is an American who has lived in Belgium since August 2019. She and her husband Jeremy, a diplomat with the US Department of State, have spent the past 11 years overseas with time divided between the Dominican Republic, Madagascar, Tokyo and now Belgium. She has also lived in Spain and Northern Ireland. She grew up in the Hill Country of Central Texas and calls Austin home.

Jodi’s three children, Jasper, Sam and Imogen, all attend ISB and she first became interested in BSA when she had the opportunity to co-coach her son Sam’s U13 BSA basketball team.  

Jodi has participated in sports her entire life starting with dance, gymnastics and basketball in elementary and continuing with basketball and cheerleading in high school. As an adult, she has been an avid runner and loves supporting her children in their athletic pursuits. She rarely turns down a chance to throw a ball or shoot some hoops.

Jodi also enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors, traveling to new places, and learning about and practicing mindfulness. She loves to read and her favorite place to be is outdoors, feet propped up with a great book she can’t put down.

Jodi has a B.A. in English and a B.A. in Spanish (1995) as well as a Master’s Degree in Social Work (2004) from the University of Texas at Austin. She is also trained mindfulness teacher. She has been a corporate trainer, a high school teacher, a clinical social worker, a program manager for Peace Corps, and since 2013 has run her own business providing coaching and mindfulness training to individuals living outside their home cultures. She also currently serves as the Vice President on the board of Families in Global Transition.

Jodi is looking forward to joining the BSA team and supporting the organization in continued community building, outreach and success during these unpredictable times. 

If you have signed up to coach or are interested in helping coach our baseball program this spring season plan to come to our coaches training on 15 March from 2:00-3:00.  Come and learn coaching tips and tricks to help have a great team of players this season.  Coaches will receive a free BSA hoodie, training, and understand what to expect for the upcoming season as a coach.  Come dressed ready to be active and learn more about coaching baseball.  Please find below, additional schedule information.

Sunday, 15 March 

Where: International School of Brussels (ISB), meet at the Lower Field.  

When: 2:00-3:00