Volunteer Coaches: A Valuable Community Resource for the Park District

Soccer season starts this week at the Des Plaines Park District, and over 300 children ages four to fourteen will hit the pitch under the guidance of dedicated volunteer coaches. Volunteer coaches are the backbone of youth sports in America, and, at the Park District, one of the most valuable community resources. Over thirty parents and mentors donate their time, patience, athletic experience, and creativity to help children learn to love the game. The District believes that coaches are real change-makers in a child’s life. They are teachers, leaders, mentors and role models. On their own time, they tirelessly plan, organize, and learn new learn ways to support their team and help them to reach their goals. They are the first ones on the practice field, and the last to leave on game day. The most expensive equipment, the most manicured field, even the most memorable goal, pale in comparison to the difference that one great coach can make in a child’s life.

For many young athletes, the Park District soccer program is their first experience with organized team play. Volunteer coaches bring bundles of enthusiasm and their best intentions, to help the players increase their skill level and reach their potential. They encourage and inspire their team, teaching them the importance of fundamentals, teamwork, and competition in a safe, fun setting. “I think my favorite part of our soccer program is just seeing the relationships that the volunteers build with their team, how they connect with the kids, and how they are able to be positive role models for them,” Joshua Cantres, Athletic Supervisor said.

An opportunity to play youth sports is transformational for many children, and, at the Park District, it is the volunteer coaches that do the transforming. “Kids don't care how much you know, they just know how much you care," said Cantres. “The best coaches represent much more than wins and losses. Our volunteers are conscientious, enthusiastic and determined to help their players learn in the best way they can. The athletes’ experience, what they take away from the program, and their life lessons, are all based on the interaction with their coach. Children deserve these characteristics from all youth coaches, no matter the sport. It is not always what coaches know about soccer, but how they present what they know that makes the difference,” he said. “They know fifty ways to say ‘good job!’”

Volunteer soccer coaches at the Des Plaines Park District are required to take a National Alliance of Youth Sports training seminar, where they learn how to set up drills, the importance of good sportsmanship, and how to establish a positive learning experience. The training helps coaches guide children to develop both physically and psychologically. Many of the coaches are parents of children in the program. Some start out as assistant coaches before moving up to head coach, and many return season after season. “Coaching is in my blood,” said Bryan Weinert, coach of the first grade team, The Bulldogs, adding “This is my tenth season coaching at the Park District. I began my career as a Math teacher at West Leyden High School and coached High School Basketball. When I moved into my current position, as the Leyden High School District 212′s Director of Technology, I began coaching my kids.” Weinert’s daughter, Callie, is a Bulldog. When asked about his coaching philosophy for this season, Weinert replied, “Have fun, play hard, go Bulldogs!” Weinert’s energy transmits to the parents who can be heard clapping for attempted goals and cheering on pass plays.

Without the hundreds of parents who sign up to coach youth sports every season, most of those programs would not succeed. “When the community comes together, kids benefit,” said Cantres. Volunteer coaches are also an integral part of boys and girls basketball programs for children in grades three through six at the Des Plaines Park District. “Many of our basketball coaches have grown up playing ball at the Park District. They look upon their volunteerism as an opportunity to give back to the community, and to help develop leadership skills and teach responsibility in their players,” Cantres said.

Talent for building a player's confidence is also important. The district’s basketball program focuses on fundamentals: dribbling, passing, and form shooting. The sixteen teams, divided by age, practice at D62 school gyms during the week and play games in the Prairie Lakes gym on weekends. “We couldn’t do what we do without our incredible volunteers,” said Cantres. “They are good communicators, they have the ability to bring out the best in young players, they are fair and open minded, they are patient and passionate, they provide a safe, positive atmosphere, and they work tirelessly to help players maximize their potential—all while having fun.”

Volunteer coaching positions are still available for both boys and girls basketball. Coaches receive special discounts on Park District programs, and no prior experience is needed. “Just bring your love of sports to a coaching clinic. You’ll learn the finer points of the game, meet other dedicated coaches, and, you might just be the first to inspire the next Michael Jordan,” said Cantres.

If you are looking to get involved in a special one-day sports event, the Des Plaines Park District needs volunteers to help at the September 22 National, Pass & Kick competition, from noon to 3:00pm at Prairie Lakes.

Find more ways to make a difference at www.DPParks.org or call Joshua Cantres at 847-391-5711.