As the new season of sports begins, youth leagues in the area are in dire need of volunteer coaches. Sports can be more than just an extracurricular activity for children, providing a safe haven and a way to build lifelong friendships. Kim Kendall, who spends two hours a day training her son at Hester Community Center in Boynton Beach, emphasized the importance of youth coaches in offering structure, support, and motivation to children.
Todd Johnson, a recreation supervisor in Boynton Beach, highlighted the ongoing need for volunteer coaches to support the 200 to 300 kids participating in youth sports. While teams are preparing for the upcoming season, having extra volunteer coaches on standby can help provide flexibility when needed.
In Palm Beach Gardens, the demand for volunteer coaches is also high. Manolo Calvo, the president of the Palm Beach Gardens Youth Athletic Association, mentioned that most recreational sports teams are run by volunteer parents. This volunteer effort allows the organization to operate for free or at a low cost to families, ensuring that children have the opportunity to participate in sports.
With thousands of kids involved in various sports programs, the need for volunteer coaches is significant. Parents, guardians, and community members are encouraged to consider volunteering as coaches, assistant coaches or other support roles to ensure that youth sports programs can continue to thrive and accommodate the growing number of participants. By getting involved, individuals can make a lasting impact on children’s lives and contribute to the success of youth sports in the community.
