It was a 10-0 game against Montrose that prompted Ross Matlock and Jen Faivre to ask the question, “Should we take the next step; create a club that moves our soccer program from recreation-based, to a higher level of coaching and competition?" 

In 2014, the West Elk Soccer Association was founded with the intention to keep soccer fun while raising the level of coaching and matching player ability with the right level of competition.

The West Elk Soccer Association (WESA) fosters soccer development and provides a fun, high quality experience for youth and adults living in the Gunnison valley.

Through our work, we envision a community with a strong love of soccer that prioritizes sportsmanship, leadership, and skill development through investment in the player, coach, referee, and team. We envision players who embody a deep appreciation for soccer and develop lifelong skills such as leadership, teamwork, and responsibility to carry with them in future endeavors.

Development

• Create space or opportunity for players to grow their soccer skills
• Create space or opportunity for players to grow their interpersonal skills
• Develop skills of responsibility, accountability, sportsmanship, discipline, in each player

Leadership & Character Building

• Provide and develop high quality coaches
• Inspire players to become team leaders 
• Ensure all our players and coaches embody character: the will to compete, the discipline to improve, the commitment to put the team before self, and winning and losing with honor and respect
• Instill a good work ethic and sense of personal responsibility.

Teamwork

• Instill a dedication to teamwork and sense of loyalty to our Club among players, parents, and coaches
• Foster a spirit of contribution in giving back to our community

Positivity

• Provide a positive and nurturing, yet challenging learning environment
• Provide a positive soccer environment for all players, coaches, and parents

• To raise the level of skills of the participants.
• To provide quality coaching at all age groups and all levels.
• To promote a lasting love for the game.
• To promote sportsmanship among the players, parents, and coaches.
• ​​​​​​​To provide an opportunity for competitive play against other club teams.
• To develop and commence the implementation of a complete coach development program (that develops coaches from entry-level up to elite).
• ​​​​​​​To increase the number of referees in the Gunnison Valley.

Currently, WESA has:

• Year-round programming 
• 13 teams from 10U to 19U
• 12-15 parent volunteer coaches
• 15 paid/contractor coaches
• Executive Director (paid staff)
• ​​​​​​​Director of Coaching (paid staff)