With no president or vice-president following its recent annual general meeting, and with too little supervision at practices, the Creston Valley Youth Soccer Association is seeking volunteers.
About 220 Creston Valley youth take part in soccer, and if the organization doesn’t find more coaches, the board may consider capping team numbers. The U6 team has 35 members overseen by one coach and two assistants — the goal is to have one coach per nine players, so running that team is a big task.
“It makes playing really difficult,” said board member Gwen Benty. “It runs totally on volunteers.”
“The one or two adults to 35 plays ratios we had this season are not sustainable and not conducive to player development,” said a letter to parents from Mary Griffioen.
With the older teams, two coaches and a manager are needed, and with only one adult referee in the Creston Valley, referees are needed, too—both positions receive training and referees are paid through the provincial soccer association.
“I don’t think people realize that when you pay your $60, it doesn’t go to pay the coaches,” said Benty, noting that fee — some of the most affordable of any sport — cover administration, equipment and maintenance.
Due to a lack of volunteers, the Creston association wasn’t able to host its own soccer tournament this year, although six teams from U12 to U18 attended the Terry Walgren Tournament in Nelson.
The members of older teams are currently involved in fundraising — money has been easier to obtain than helping hands, and the association has sent teams to Costa Rica and England for trips combining recreation and training.
“I think it provides a lot of opportunities,” said Benty.
Anyone interested is invited to attend a meeting at 7 p.m. June 25 at the Cavell Street Dental Clinic, call Benty at 250-428-5645 or crestonvalleysoccer@gmail.com.