Those Behind the Scenes Make All the Difference
As we finally come to the end of the season and approach this evening’s awards ceremony and dinner for the Simon Kenton Lady Pioneers, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on all of the people who make high school sports possible.
We spend so much of our time focused on our kids playing soccer. We celebrate the girls making runs, scoring goals, defending, facilitating play through passing, and organizing things on the field. We celebrate their accomplishments, their hard work, and everything they contribute to the team.
But for any of that to happen, we also need to recognize the people who make it possible for them to step onto that field in the first place.
This year alone, hundreds of people have played a role in making high school soccer possible at Simon Kenton and at all the other schools where games have been played. Many of these people work quietly behind the scenes, often without recognition, but their contributions are every bit as important as what happens on the field.
Brea Schmidt wrote the following in her articles for The Top Bleacher:
"Do you know who doesn't get enough credit in youth sports?
The leaders behind the organizations.
The presidents and VPs. The treasurers and coordinators. The board members. The volunteers.
They certainly take a lot of heat, don't they?
But do they get the accolades they deserve, too?
Because the truth is... There is no season without these individuals who step up. There are no funds raised for equipment and rent and fees. There are no schedules to download. There are no refs or umps scheduled to show up. There is no gym/field/ice time secured. There is no food at the concession stand. There are no uniforms to wear. There is no game location to check in the app. There is no communication to keep parents in the loop. There is NONE of that...
...if we don't have the support of these people who step up and volunteer their time to make it happen.
In youth sports you hear a lot of the complaints about how things could be done better. Heck I'm sure many of these leaders will be the first to admit there's always room to grow. But for our kids to be able to play the sports they love, we need people behind the scenes willing to volunteer their time to make it happen.
Is it always perfect? No.
But do we always need people to step up and try? Yes.
So if there's someone behind the scenes who helps make your athlete's season possible... Don't forget to thank them."
I thought this was so incredibly well stated that I just had to share it with all of you.
I want to make sure each of you understands just how important you are. Whether it's organizing, scheduling, fundraising, managing facilities, coordinating officials, working concessions, communicating with families, or simply lending a helping hand when needed, your efforts make a difference in the lives of our kids.
Our players get to experience the excitement, friendships, challenges, and memories that come with playing high school soccer because so many people are willing to give their time and energy behind the scenes.
You may not always hear it, and your contributions may not always be visible, but please know that they matter.
There is no season without you.
As we celebrate our Lady Pioneers tonight and reflect on another season of memories, accomplishments, and growth, I want to say one simple thing:
THANK YOU!
Thank you for showing up, for stepping up, and for making it all possible. You are appreciated more than you know!
