Youth soccer may not exist without the volunteers.
Our town is truly blessed in having so many people who are willing, happily, to give up some of their free time to help make the wide variety of programs and events we have a success.
I admit it sometimes blows my mind to see so many people step up and say “how can we help?” Just the other day I got an email from a member of our community who had read our previous article asking that very question. It’s amazing; without such a giving community programs like Pinnacles Soccer would not be able to function.
Volunteers are the backbone of our coaching staff at the recreational level. Week in and week out they arrive on the field or gym, pick up their team’s equipment and help children and youth get involved in a sport – making a positive difference along the way.
Far too often we hear about the small percent who use such positions for terrible things. We might be tempted to forget about the 99.9 per cent who do nothing but good with their efforts and time. This article is for you.
One of my favourite things to do is talk with my volunteers. The enthusiasm and ideas that they possess is worth every moment and without fail makes my day!
Did you know that you don’t have to know the difference between onside and offside to be a coach? Or even have to be a coach or referee to help out? Just signing your child up for the program and bringing them to practice – in my mind – is already a vital contribution.
Parents are such a valuable part of the process and can bring a unique perspective of things to the table those of us “in the trenches” sometimes miss.
Another way you can help is by donating used bottles that will go toward buying equipment we want (very different from equipment we need – that’s covered), as part of our effort to always improve the quality of our programs. You can do so directly at the bottle depot in our Pinnacles Oliver account or by arrangement with myself (email: [email protected]). We deeply appreciate every bit of help we get.
Whether your support is through volunteering, encouragement or by allowing us the genuine privilege of your children/youth’s participation, I would like to say a heartfelt thank you.
By Matthew Wood, regional head coach, Pinnacles soccer
