ALITHSA Volunteer Recognition Program

Jeff Ellis - U6 Mixed Coach and U10 Age Group Coordinator

ALITHSA would like to recognize Coach and Age Group Coordinator Jeff Ellis for his "above and beyond" volunteer work.

One of the nominations he received said:

"Jeff is the coach of a U6 team. He has been great with the kids. He has a good sense of humor. This is the first time we have been in the soccer arena. My son was a little nervous to play at first but he warmed right up after the first practice we had. Jeff keeps the fun in the game for the kids. He is very good at keeping the communication open and e-mails humorous recaps of the games that he does not have to take time to do. He seems to really love what he is doing. He has made it a lot of fun for us!! Thanks Jeff!!"

We took a few minutes of Jeff's time to get to know him better.

ALITHSA:

How long have you been involved in soccer and in what forms?

Jeff:

I have been involved with soccer since my oldest child started playing in 1999. I have been a coach for six years for several teams involving all my children and, for the past three years, have been involved as an age group coordinator for both U-10 mixed and U-10 girls.

ALITHSA:

What are the three top things for you as a coach?

Jeff:

As a coach, I believe the most important aspect is for the kids to have fun. If they are having fun, they are more apt to pick up on what you are teaching as a coach. I also tend to stress ball handling skills as well as teamwork and positioning.

ALITHSA:

How do you make time to be a coach?

Jeff:

As far as making time for being a coach, my family is very supportive and I will take my four kids with me no matter which one I am coaching for. I enjoy being around and coaching kids so that makes the time spent very rewarding.

ALITHSA:

What can we teach our kids about playing soccer and who is your favorite soccer player?

Jeff:

We can teach our kids that soccer is a fun sport to both learn and play and that the teamwork aspect over individual play can be very rewarding. My favorite soccer player is when any of my kids are playing.

ALITHSA:

Please tell us about your most special soccer memory or event.

Jeff:

My favorite moment in soccer occurred this past season when a girl on my team played goalie for the first time and she was very nervous to be in goal and, after much encouragement, she agreed and, when the first shot came towards her and she made the save, her smile lit up the entire sky. That is a memory I will never forget.

ALITHSA:

How in your mind can we make soccer in ALITHSA as creative and fun as possible?

Jeff:

Make the practices as quick paced as possible and do a lot of drills disguised as games so that the kids learn about the game without realizing they are. We can also remember that these are kids playing a game and that there are many more important things in life than what the scoreboard says at the end of the game.

ALITHSA:

Anything special you would like to share with all of us in ALITHSA about being a volunteer?

Jeff:

Even if you do not have a background in soccer, you can make a difference in your childs' life as well as the lives of other kids as well. Our league has many opportunities to volunteer and the support system is excellent. You can make a difference. Please volunteer.

ALITHSA:

Thank you Jeff!

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