Get Moving: Answer the call to be a youth sports coach

After the recent cold weather, I know my family is ready for spring, warmer weather and more time outdoors.

The arrival of spring means another season of Y soccer is about to begin for my daughters Lillian, 10, and Eleanor, 6. For the past six years, along with other parents, I have had the pleasure of coaching both girls' soccer teams. What a joy it has been to be engaged in their lives this way, watching them grow up and flourish.

I do not have a long history of great soccer success as an athlete. In fact, my soccer-playing days ended in eighth grade many years ago. I did not spend much time on a soccer field from that point forward, until my daughters began playing the sport. When they did, I knew that I wanted to be engaged in their activities, and coaching their soccer teams has been one way to accomplish this goal.

A desire of mine is to make the most of these important developmental years with my daughters. I want them to try out various sports and activities, explore new opportunities, push themselves, learn proper sportsmanship and have fun. I enjoy playing soccer with them at our home as well, working on their skills and just making memories in the front yard. These are the moments that are so precious and seem to go by far too quickly.

Each year, there are hundreds of various youth teams in our community playing a variety of sports. These teams are often coached by volunteers, adults who are willing to give of their time to impact the lives of young people. There is always a need for more who are willing to coach and mentor.

You may think that a lack of knowledge about the sport is a disqualifying factor. That is not the case! What these youth need in a coach is an adult who is willing to be positive and encouraging, to set an appropriate example, to genuinely care about them. My primary goal with the younger teams I coach is for the children to enjoy the season, learn a few soccer skills and be excited for the next season. Most kindergartners are more interested in the snack after the game than the coach's play calling abilities. When they look back years and decades later, I want them to smile when they think about our soccer team, remembering it as a positive experience.

For the parents out there, do not be afraid to answer the call when asked to serve as a coach on your child's team. You never know the impact you might have on not only your child, but also the other children on that team. Your positive encouragement might impact them in ways you cannot even imagine, and their joy and boundless energy will inspire you as well.

When you are registering your child for their next sport or activity, and you get to the question asking if you are willing to volunteer as a coach, check "yes." There are thousands of children in our community who need you and thank you.

Ken Hussey is the director of Advocacy and Statewide Initiatives for the Missouri State Alliance of YMCAs. He also has served on the Jefferson City Council since 2013, representing the Ward 3.