Some of the best childhood memories come from participation in youth sports leagues. Most of these leagues rely heavily on volunteers to make the memories possible. Westfield Youth Sports and Westfield Youth Soccer Association are two local organizations in Westfield, Indiana that have proven to be instrumental in giving children the introduction they need to begin the love of sports.
Westfield Youth Sports (WYSI) offers an assortment of opportunities for local youngsters to participate in baseball, basketball, cheerleading, football, lacrosse, softball, track and field, volleyball and wrestling. Volunteers are needed for all sports in order to make these opportunities possible. According to the website, www.wysi.net, Westfield Youth Sports mission statement is to “promote amateur youth sports to school-age children living within Westfield Washington School district of Hamilton County, Indiana by fostering competition through affiliation with local and amateur athletic governing organizations.” In the area of operations and organization, volunteers are needed for both board positions and sports commissioners. Coaching positions for all sports and age groups (grades K-8) are needed in order to provide instruction to children in their chosen areas of interest. In addition, certain sports such as baseball and football require extra volunteers to help maintain fields and facilities.
Westfield Youth Soccer Association (WYSA) is an organization devoted to bringing the love of soccer to local children. The Westfield Youth Soccer Association (www.wysa.org) describes its vision as follows; “To be the club that others aspire to be through the development of our youth in Recreation, Academy, and Competitive soccer and to continue the love for the game into adulthood”. Volunteers are needed for organizational and administrative positions, including board members, as well as age-level commissioners. Coaches and assistant coaches are necessary supports to introduce and foster individual and team skills. In addition, volunteers are needed to keep the soccer fields in good working order, by lining fields and putting up soccer nets. Volunteers are also needed for the concession stand in order to provide refreshments to players, as well as spectators.
Although some parents may feel that they have a limited knowledge of sports, both organizations provide training to volunteers who are willing to learn. The registration process can be completed online. Background checks are required.
Sports leagues teach children valuable lessons, but these learning opportunities are not possible without a large contingency of people willing to donate their time. An hour or two a week is a minimal time investment when considering the possibility that it may lead to a life time of memories.