Some of you may not be aware of this, but American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) is a volunteer organization.  That means everyone that you see on Registration Day, every practice day, and game day, thru to the last referee blown whistle is a volunteer.  No one gets paid to do this.  So, why do we do it?  There is one answer that most of the volunteers will give:

Our Kids!  Your Kids!

That's right!  We do it for the kids!  Some of the volunteers in our region don't even have kids in the program anymore.  They do it because they love kids.  Besides, where would the kids be if they were not playing soccer?  Hanging out in the streets or at home alone!  Great place for a kid, right?  A place where they can find drugs, gangs, immorality, or even worse!!

So the next time you see a coach, tell them thank you.  The next time you disagree with a referee's call, thank them for being there.  Think of the last time you went to the soccer field and saw all those kids having a great time.  How many volunteers do you suppose it took to maintain the order that you saw?  Now imagine if all those volunteers suddenly disappeared.  Where would those kids have been?  Every time someone skips signing up as a volunteer, that could be the scene.

So, once you have thanked the people currently working and teaching your child, offer to become a volunteer.  You say you don't have the time.  There are one-time one day volunteer positions (for example Registration Day, Picture Day, etc.).  Anyone can donate one day a year to benefit their child!!  If you do have more time, offer to be a coach or a referee.  Or, both!!  There is a saying in volunteer organizations and ours is no different.

The saying goes like this, "90% of the work is done by 10% of the people"

Come become a volunteer and help change this truth.  Once you do, you will find that it is not only fun, but offers you a sense of fulfillment.  It is a great feeling to look around at the kids playing soccer and realize that you made an impact in their life.  No child will ever forget the years they had playing soccer.  Who knows? Maybe you'll coach the next super star!  Or, maybe you'll just be that guy or gal that kept a single child from becoming a victim because you were there and you cared!!

Consider volunteering today!!