On September 8, Washington Youth Soccer submitted a letter to Governor Inslee's Office with a proposal to modify Phase 2 protocols applicable to youth soccer programs. The letter cites "zero cases of transmission among participating athletes in the current Phase 2 protocols" in Washington state and data from other states that have reported no cases of player to player transmission even where allowing physical contact. It also lauded the beneficial mental health aspects of sports participation, noting that a survey of young athletes in the spring reported that 65% experienced anxiety and 68% experienced depression. WYS proposed to eliminate small group training requirement of 5 or less, as well as revision in guidelines consistent with Phase 3 outdoor recreation. It stressed continuing attention to social distance; hygiene; masked coaches, parents and officials, but allowing more robust team training opportunities.

See the full letter here. We will update the club when Governor Inslee responds.