As recreational neighborhood soccer programs across Seattle start to open up their fall registration, a question comes to mind for a lot of local parents. Should I volunteer to coach youth soccer this year? Should I volunteer to coach my kids team? Yes, it can seem like a big commitment, but it’s a commitment that comes with so many benefits. Here's a few of the reasons why volunteering to coach a youth soccer team is totally worth it:

In youth soccer these days, it can sometimes seem like fun is no longer a priority. Passion, joy and enthusiasm for the game can often find themselves taking a backseat to winning and scoring goals. Even when players themselves aren't too wrapped up in winning, when they are surrounded by a culture of win-at-all-costs mentality, it is very easy for them to feel the effects of high expectations and put pressure on themselves to perform well, score goals and not make mistakes. Not only does this take the fun out of the game, it also makes it less likely that players will find success or stick with the game for an extended period of time.