Manassas Park Community Matters Blog Post - Thanks are not Enough! – By Mike Arrington

I wanted to write my blog as a “Thank You” to all the Volunteer Coaches in the MPCC Biddy Ball league. Your hard work, dedication, patience and efforts are truly appreciated. Often times I know parents do not give you your just due for all that you do for their children, but it is noted!  For some of you coaching is your passion, for others it is a chance to bond with your child(ren) through sports and for some it was an “Ok I will do it if no one else will step up” situation. Regardless of your motivation I wanted to take a moment to let you know that you are appreciated, not just by the league but by the kids and parents.

For the coaches, the greatest reward is the impact they have off the court. I feel as if each coach is teaching these young athletes more than just basketball. They’re learning how to respect themselves and build character. Coaches show them how to shine and to give maximum efforts in practice and in games. Example, this statement is from one of our league participants on how he feels about playing for his coach, “My coach never gives up on me and I’m a better person for it.”

I spoke with a coach from the 6-7 division that said”they have experienced the transformative power of sports firsthand: I get such satisfaction helping the little athletes gain confidence in their physical abilities. Over the past season, I’ve seen a dramatic improvement in their skills and that’s what makes this so fulfilling.”This to me is what being a Volunteer Coach is all about, yes X’s and O’s and strategies are important in the development of players and with that comes the lessons players will learn, from wins and losses to how to deal with pressure, pain and even parental influence. But at the end of the day it is all about one goal for a Volunteer coach: To create a fun, learning basketball environment for your players in training and in games.

Sports bring people together and help to build strong communities, as well as contribute to the creation of healthy, happy individuals. Volunteer coaching can have a very positive impact on children as well as the obvious physical and mental benefits that it provides. There are many inherent life-skills to be taught, such as the importance of teamwork, communication, discipline and of course there is a great deal of fun and excitement to be had along the way! Don’t think so; try volunteer coaching in our next league and see firsthand.

Thank you to all the volunteer coaches who have taking their personal time to give back to the kids of this program. The lasting impressions you have placed on your players and parents will go a long way in the development of their character and passion for sports.

Until Next time!

Mike Arrington is a Recreation Specialist for the Manassas Park Parks and Recreation Department.  He can be reached at 703.335.8872 or via email at m.arrington@manassasparkva.gov.

Community Matters is a blog created by the City of Manassas Park Department of Parks and Recreation. The blog features program updates, announcements of new services, special event notices, or information of general interest.