The Day Without Volunteers

—Chuck McKaughan

Regional Trainer

In the not too distant future, there came a day when all the volunteers died (of old age and other things). There was no one left to run the PTA or the soccer program. There was no longer anyone to train the coaches or ref the games or sort the uniforms. But then these were skills no longer needed because there no longer were any youth sports programs. The soccer fields will have been replaced with video game emporiums where children can plug themselves in and experience life virtually. It is stark as there is no longer any green space, since green space is also no longer necessary.

But in today’s world, our region seldom has enough certified coaches and referees. There may be children on the waitlist that will not be able to participate in the program because we do not have enough volunteers. The regional staff is constantly attempting to recruit coaches and referees. What happens… several coaches will have to coach two or more teams at the same time or spend their entire Saturday refereeing 4 to 6 matches.

This is my 23^rd year in AYSO and I hear the same rationalization each year by potential volunteers. “I have too many kids in soccer. I can’t possibly volunteer.” “I work and don’t have the time.” “I don’t know how to coach (or referee)” “No thank you.” So what happens then? Where do we find the people who have the time, and want to volunteer? This population does not exist. We all have the same twenty four hours in a day. The question becomes how do we allocate this time? The real question is, “Is your child important enough to spend time with?” If the answer is no, do not do anything. If the answer is yes, there are many positions available that will help all of our kids.

I propose that allocating time to spend with your children in an activity such as AYSO soccer is an appropriate and rewarding activity. Those of us who have been around for a long time and have experienced the growth and development of the children in the program, can attest to the fact that it is a most precious and rewarding activity.

As I share in all the classes I teach, I am passionately involved because AYSO has allowed me the privilege of seeing young children grow into outstanding young adults as a result of their AYSO experience. There is a crisis in volunteerism today. For various reasons, the number of volunteers is down. There are many “life long volunteers” who still give generously of their time. However, where is the next generation of volunteers? Who will pick up the torch when the lifers are no longer here?

Please think about becoming involved. This program is for your children and without you it cannot succeed.

To volunteer as a referee, please contact Glenn Vincent, referee administrator, to volunteer as a coach, please email John Trujillo – Jay Vincelette, coach administrator, and all other volunteers should email or speak to Vinny Otis.

Please help us by volunteering… your child will LOVE you for it!