Dear Editor:
As a coach of the Jersey City Youth Soccer Club I have often asked myself “Why volunteer?” The club has been in existence since 1997 for the purpose of increasing participation in soccer. All member of this club are strictly volunteers who give of themselves willingly, passionately, at times risking disappointments, yet their only compensation has been the mere feeling that they have made a difference in others’ lives without any guarantee that they did.
Volunteers often do not get the recognition they deserve. Even though the club customarily distributes plaques to its coaches, I want to recognize their worth ethic and dedication herein. Our coaching staff includes Mario Cortez, John Cortez, Jamie Manjarres, Edgar Gavillanes, Tony Portillo, Santo Greco and Ernesto Carles. These individuals have spent many summer afternoons, winters indoors, and fall practicing kids that want to learn how to play soccer. Many kids enrolled have stared as early beginners and gradually have improved their level of play.
Volunteers that dedicate their time are deserving of praise. Whether its recreation or travel teams, our coaches have given their time away from home, soccer knowhow and have instilled a passion for the game. They have guided beginners while fine tuning skills of more experienced players. They have kept kids interested in sports while keeping them off the streets and showed that hard work is the key to success. The kids may not say thanks, but later in life they will cherish memories of games won, and lost, will reflect and remember their coaches as exemplary individuals.
Volunteers are to be commended because they are the difference. They fill the need for leaders, provide a service, a helping hand and give hope for achieving goals that benefit all people.
Dominick Callipari