WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Emotions are running high after the Whatcom Youth Soccer Association cut one of its soccer teams.

The youth soccer program separates kids by birth year and the 2012 boys league had such high demand last year that the Whatcom FC Rangers fielded four teams – gold, blue, silver and white.

This year, the Whatcom County Youth Soccer Association (WCYSA) is not permitting the white team, citing bylaws that allow just three teams in the program.

Rangers coach Seamus Leonard resigned over the board’s decision, and says other coaches agree that many good, young soccer players are being left out.

“We had five coaches observing the tryouts … and we were all in agreement that there was enough quality again to go with the white team,” Leonard said.

The WCYSA held a special meeting on Thursday, May 30, to discuss the issue. A representative from the Rangers made a motion to authorize the fourth team, but it wasn’t seconded by another board member. Parents expressed anger and confusion at the decision to exclude the white team, despite what they say is an abundance of resources and talent to support it.

MyBellinghamNow has reached out to the association board for comment, but they have not responded at the time of publishing.

President Mark Lackey did say in an email to families that the board will take their input into account as they consider possible changes to the association’s bylaws, but the decision to eliminate the fourth team stands.