Company's Financial Woes Affecting Local Youth Leagues

Two Tampa Bay area youth soccer organizations are feeling a money pinch because a company they use to process registrations has run into financial problems.

The problem centers on a firm called "Count Me In," or CMI, in Bellevue, Wash. The firm handles administration duties for all kinds of athletic teams, including soccer, baseball and ski clubs. Parents use the company's Web site to register players and pay club dues.

Gulfcoast United Soccer Club in Largo says CMI owes the club $112,000. The East Lake Arsenal Soccer Club in Tarpon Springs says it's out about $30,000.

"It's a travesty to have this type of thing happen," said parent and Gulfcoast volunteer John Hockin.
He says the club is cutting expenses and making other adjustments to keep the fall season going for its 1,100 soccer players.

The problems at "Count Me In" are nationwide. Teams across the country have complained about missing money. Calls to the company are not answered and emails are not returned.

In a Seattle Times story Thursday, CMI's CEO, Terry Drayton, said he is trying to find investors to keep the company going and pay back creditors.

A Gulfcoast parent said the league received a mid-December email from CMI detailing its financial situation. It included a promise to pay what is owed, but offered no timeline.

"It ticks me off, and not only does it make me mad, but what about all the other kids throughout the United States who are being affected,'' said Gulfcoast President Sherri Callahan. She has two soccer players in the club and fears the future of their participation could be in doubt.

A lawyer representing East Lake Arsenal says he is working with a New York attorney to sue C.M.I. Brian Caulfield, past president of the Tarpon Springs club, says other teams may be added to the list as he discovers how many people are owed money from CMI.

Gulfcoast's John Hockin is frustrated with CMI's financial problems.

He is asking parents to dispute their credit card charges and write a check to the club directly so they can continue to pay referees, field fees and other expenses.

In the meantime, soccer camps are being held to allow players to hone their skills ... skills they may not have a chance to put into use.