Recreational soccer in Seattle is made possible for thousands of kids each year through the dedication and commitment of volunteers like Jeff Scott. We recently sat down with outgoing McGilvra Youth Soccer Club President to talk about the 9 years he spent with the club. Here's our conversation with Jeff:
People of SYSA: Jonathan Smith, Capitol Hill Field Scheduler
For this edition of People of SYSA, we spoke with Jonathan Smith - Capitol Hill Soccer Club's longest running volunteer. Jonathan has been helping Capitol Hill soccer players since the 1990's! During that time he has seen a lot of change and a lot of people come and go (including his son who started playing when he was 6 and is now in his 30s) - but through it all, Jonathan has steadfastly continued donating his time and expertise because he believes wholeheartedly that volunteering is important work. Here's more from our conversation with Jonathan:
People of SYSA: Christopher Jones, LVR Volunteer Soccer Coach
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: Jay Patrikios & Cassie Martin, Woodland Volunteer Soccer Coaches
Jay Patrikios and Cassie Martin are partners who coach for Woodland Soccer Club. Jay currently coaches their son's U9 team and Cassie, their daughter's U10 team. Recreational soccer is all about the kids having fun and enjoying the game: both Cassie and Jay embody this through and through and it is exactly why they come back each year and continue volunteering their time. They understand the immense value that recreational soccer provides to their kids, and to everyone, in the community. Here's more from our conversation with Cassie and Jay:
People of SYSA: James Mayton, Mount Baker-Lakewood Volunteer
For this edition of 'People of SYSA' we sat down with James Mayton, a volunteer with Mount Baker-Lakewood Soccer Club. James wears many hats on the admin side of things at MBL. He's the Mod Program Coordinator and Fields Coordinator, and he has recently stepped into the role of Community Outreach Director as well. James is a fantastic example of someone who understands the value of volunteering one's time as it relates to the larger picture of cultivating community and inclusion in the neighborhoods that we live. He values soccer for its ability to be that connecting piece that brings everyone together. Let's dive into our conversation with James:
People of SYSA: Tom Powers, Woodland Volunteer Soccer Coach
In this edition of 'People of SYSA', we have the pleasure of featuring Tom Powers! Tom is a dedicated and caring coach who is very invested in the growth of his players. Tom's coaching style is all about development, but not just in the soccer sense, in the HUMAN sense. He is an upbeat, positive and motivating person with a background full of skills that lend themselves well to coaching and working with kids. He has spent his career working in education and mental health and really values the importance of connection, community and working collaboratively on the soccer field. Here's more from our conversation with Tom:
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:
