OVF Family,
As a youth soccer club in Oregon we are horrified by the recent release and findings contained within the Yates Report. In the report the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and US Soccer remained silent about reports from players regarding abuse, both verbal and emotional, and sexual misconduct from named coaches and front offices within the league over the better part of a decade.
Furthermore, Oregon's own Portland Timbers and Thorns organization were implicated in covering up, and intentionally suppressing information that enabled coaches to move on to other clubs where abuse was continued. This is unacceptable. At the time of this email the organization has relieved President of Soccer, Gavin Wilkinson, and President of Business, Mike Golub from the duties effective immediately. Owner Merritt Paulson has stepped aside from Thorns related activity, but remains the owner of the club(s).
The Yates Report also outlines a systematic culture of abuse in youth soccer throughout its organization. The entire report can be found here.
As a club made up of youth players, a significant portion of which are young women and girls, we want to bring the report to your attention, and let you know we have taken, and continue to take the following steps to ensure player safety.
1. Demand that the Oregon Youth Soccer Association sever, immediately, all commercial ties to the Portland Timbers and Thorns (PTFC) organization as it relates to league and cup sponsorship. Oregon’s youth sports leagues and cups should no longer be referred to, in any manner, as the Timbers/Thorns Leagues.
2. As an organization we will finalize our Gender Equity & Support Plan, which will take significant steps forward in ensuring a higher level of safety for all players. We will make it a priority to finalize the plan, and will present it to membership.
3. We will continue our commitment of staff/coach training and education and ensure that we are in compliance with any OYSA and USL league requirements and explore ways to exceed them. Coaching education has been, and will always remain, a priority.
4. We will continue to promote a culture where young players, especially young women and girls have a clear pathway, and easy access to confidential, anonymous, and expedited resources should they feel uneasy about anything happening within our club. This pathway will be outlined and made public with the Gender Equity and Support Plan.
Lastly, we ask you, our parents, for help. The appalling abuse and subsequent cover up in the NWSL only came to light when a few brave women came forward and spoke out. This led to more stories. And then more still. We can only protect our most precious commodity if everyone is onboard, and responsible for each other. It doesn’t have to happen to you. If you see something, say something.
Please don't hesitate to reach out with questions.