Jeff Pocklington, Volunteer Coach

"Coaching AYSO kids allows me to give back and share my passion for helping kids have fun and reach goals they didn't even know they had. I really enjoy the camaraderie created among the coaches and love seeing the kids grow in athletic ability and sportsmanship. I could stand on the sideline with the rest of the parents but I'd much rather play an active role instilling values in each of the kids while encouraging their growth. AYSO Region 571 is such a well-run organization and I love playing a small role in its continued success and growth!" - Jeff Pocklington

Mike Kopchick, Volunteer Coach

•  What made you interested in becoming a volunteer?
  Honestly, I was roped into it by the Coordinator at the time. She called me and asked if I'd be willing to help out, and I really didn't want to but I guess my guilt got the better of me :)
  
• What new experiences have you gained from being a coach?
  I've really enjoyed meeting the other parents and kids - when I see them at school events, it's a nice connection point. It's also given my son and me something nice to talk about.
• What has been the highlight of your coaching experience?
  Watching the kids grow as a team!

Nick Dondzila, Volunteer Coach

• What made you interested in becoming a volunteer?  
  Coaching seemed like a good way to get my kids excited about sports and support them in getting involved in athletics.
• How has your child (or children) reacted to your participation in their soccer program?
  I think (hope) favorably.  I think both my kids like having me out on the field with them.
• What new experiences have you gained from being a coach?
  Getting to know other parents and kids is a lot of fun, especially when you see players from seasons past out on the fields and they recognized me.
• What has been the highlight of your coaching experience?
  Spending time with my kids and sharing my love of sports with them.

Curt Wozniak, Second Season as a Volunteer Assistant Coach 

• What made you interested in becoming a volunteer? 
  Soccer gives so much to our kids in terms of valuable life lessons (teamwork, perseverance, winning with humility, losing with grace, etc.), that giving back a little time feels like a sweet deal. Whenever you volunteer for a worthwhile organization, you almost always get more out of the experience than you put into it.
  
• What has been the highlight of your coaching experience?
  My daughter and I got closer. She’s at the age now where mom and dad are starting to embarrass her, but when she sees me as “coach,” we connect on a different level. I also love the time we have together, driving to and from practices and games. It’s special, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.
  
• What new experiences have you gained from being a coach?
  Parenting doesn’t come with a handbook, but at least coaching does. It’s one of the things that we do as parents where I don’t feel like I’m fumbling along, since the AYSO organization provides so many resources to set volunteer coaches up for success. It’s been great!