07/10/2026
It’s heartbreaking and honestly disappointing to watch what is happening to youth sports.
Not because kids don’t want to play—but because fewer and fewer adults are willing to step up and help.
Every game, every practice, every field that’s mowed, every concession stand that’s open, every fundraiser, every scoreboard operator, every announcer, every coach, and every board member exists because someone volunteers their time. Yet the same handful of people continue carrying the load while many others simply show up, enjoy the experience, and leave.
The most disappointing part is hearing people say they love our community and want the best for our kids, but when it’s time to volunteer, the silence is overwhelming.
Youth sports cannot survive on good intentions alone.
If we want our children to have opportunities, memories, friendships, and life lessons through sports, it takes all of us. You don’t have to give hundreds of hours. Even one concession shift, helping with field maintenance, running a scoreboard, announcing a game, or volunteering at an event makes a difference.
The volunteers who continue to show up aren’t looking for recognition—they’re doing it because they love these kids and believe they’re worth the effort. But even the most dedicated volunteers eventually become exhausted.
If we continue expecting the same people to do everything, youth sports won’t disappear because of a lack of players. They’ll disappear because there simply aren’t enough people willing to support them.
Our kids deserve better. They deserve a community that doesn’t just cheer from the bleachers but also steps onto the field when help is needed.
