Coral Springs Youth Soccer

Category: Sportmanship

  • Coral Springs Youth Soccer is More Than Soccer


    The roots run deep, way beyond the game, field, players, referees and coaches. The scores are what they are. Some have medals and trophies and some do not. All of those things are visible to everyone. But there’s more that’s not seen. And I suggest that it is the more important aspect of what we do.

    The late Dale Davis used to remind us that the soccer experience for some players may be one of the only positive experiences in their lives. We may never know. I always remember that when I deal with players.

    I want to share a handful of scenarios that I have experienced personally. I started coaching in 2010 and in that time, I have had the opportunity to interact with many players and parents alike. I see them around town, sometimes they are cashiers at fast food joints or waiting tables at a restaurant. I coached my son from 2010 to 2015 and one of the players became his best friend because of being on that team. I still see Pat today and he still calls me coach after 11 years. My son coaches with me now and it’s allowed us to connect in ways that would not have happened. There have been many instances where players reached out to him to act as a reference when they are applying for a job. One player told us that he was struggling with chemistry and we offered supportive words and followed up with him a few weeks later. We encourage independence in these youth where appropriate, asking them to take responsibility for their lives in small ways. I feel that they can use these things to model bigger aspects of their lives as they grow.
    It brings me joy to see players come back to our league after they missed a year. And I make sure to tell them that.
    We help players earn the volunteer hours they need to graduate.
    I have seen other coaches do similar things. One coach showed me his phone and it was a player that we both knew, who was calling him. And this was in the off season.
    We have had players share personal stories of their own lives and we listen. We have been privileged to mentor some in ways that go well beyond the field.
    Recently, we reached out to a few players who we knew had financial difficulties and encouraged them to register and we (the league) covered the cost.

    I am still in awe of the level of connection this sport and this league makes possible. It isn’t a business. It is a community, a culture, a connection that binds our city together in intangible ways that can never be measured.

  • When Your Team Loses

    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.