As a coach and board member of the Coral Springs Youth Soccer League for 14 years, I’ve seen firsthand how youth sports can be both rewarding and challenging. One misconception I want to address is the idea that board members have a vested interest in certain teams winning. Let me be clear: We do not.
We are all volunteers—board members and coaches alike. None of us are paid for our time and effort. Referees, on the other hand, are paid for their role, but as board members and coaches, we focus solely on the growth of the league and the development of every player, coach, and referee. Our commitment is to fair play, not personal gain. We believe in supporting all teams, not just our own.
Sports are about competition—there are winners and losers. Losing can be tough, but it teaches resilience and growth. Recently, in a hard-fought final, one of our teams lost, and accusations followed that one of our board members had somehow influenced the outcome. The truth is, we train and mentor our referees, many of whom are teenagers, offering guidance to build their confidence and leadership. It’s common for board members to offer support to referees during a game, especially in high-pressure moments. This was simply encouragement, nothing more.
The idea that the result could or should be changed after the game is simply unfounded. In soccer, as in all sports, the final score stands. One questionable call during the game was cited as a point of contention. I’ve seen the video, and while the call could be debated, the referee was in position and within their discretion to make it. Sometimes the calls don’t go your way, but we accept them and move on.
I can personally relate to the disappointment of losing. Last year, my own team lost in the final in the last minute, and two of my 15-year-old players were devastated. But we didn’t blame anyone. We licked our wounds, learned from it, and moved on. That’s what sportsmanship is all about.
We operate with transparency and integrity at every level, and we are committed to the success and fairness of Coral Springs Youth Soccer. Thank you for your continued support in making youth sports a positive and rewarding experience.