Here at SYSA, we recently had the opportunity to talk with Chris Jones, a volunteer soccer coach with LVR Soccer Club. Chris, who goes by CJ, is the head coach of the LVR Sounders Girls U16 team, a team he has been coaching since the girls were in kindergarten. Keeping a group of high school girls involved in the game at the recreational level is a hard thing to do, as girls tend to drop out of sports at a high rate once they hit their middle school years. But CJ has done something special. He has created a culture of community and inclusion that has kept players and their families coming back year after year. He has helped create a safe space for the girls to be themselves which has made a massive impact on the lives of these young women. Here's more from our conversation with CJ:
People of SYSA: Sneha Sastry, LVR Volunteer Soccer Coach
To start off the series, this week we have the pleasure of featuring Sneha Sastry. Sneha coaches with LVR Soccer Club and this year she was the recipient of the SYSA Boys Recreational Coach of the Year award. Sneha coaches all three of her son's LVR teams and is an excellent leader for all of her young charges. She is a dedicated, invested and extremely caring coach. She LOVES soccer and is passionate about the game's ability to create community. Sneha feels strongly that soccer is a sport where there's a place for everyone and that every player can absolutely contribute something unique and special to their team. Here's more from our conversation with Sneha:
