Parent volunteers are the heart of TRSA programs
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
A popular sentiment in the sports world is that behind every player who believes in themselves is a coach who believed in them first. One could easily include parents in the conversation.
You might be thinking, “I’m not a professional coach, how much can I offer to teach my kids and their friends?” The truth is, there are many opportunities in your community to contribute to youth development in the sports they enjoy.
Take community soccer for example. The Terwillegar Riverbend Soccer Association (TRSA) has plenty of resources, tools and supports for team officials like coaches, assistants and team managers.
TRSA has one of the largest community soccer programs in the city, serving the communities of Riverbend, Terwillegar, Hodgson, Oak Hills, The Ridge, Brookview, Ogilvie Ridge, and Greater Windermere. It has programs for U4 to U19 soccer players at all skill levels.
Last year, TRSA had more than 1,500 players on 111 teams during the outdoor season and currently has nearly 600 players on 38 teams playing in the 2025-26 indoor season.
The demand can outweigh the number of available coaches at certain age groups. Without coaches players are moved to teams in other southwest communities, or in the worst case, there isn’t a team at all.
“Coaching and managing starts with parents taking a role on their child’s team,” says Carl Tan, TRSA president. “They get involved to enjoy the sport with their kids and to see them succeed. Previous experience is useful, but many parents will learn along with their players as they progress through the development phase and into more competitive soccer.”
That was Eunice Wong’s experience. She volunteered as a team manager on her son’s team for several years and took on the coaching role for her younger son’s team last year.
“I volunteered because there was a risk we could lose the team, and I had the experience as a manager and the confidence to lead,” said Eunice. She is quick to point out her success comes from parents who take on roles like assistant coach, team manager or equipment manager.
“Knowing you’re not the only one coaching is important. I work with the parents to get help, and there are resources available from TRSA, other coaches, and online.”
Joanna Manchur coaches to give back to the sport, and for the joy she receives from seeing her players develop. She leads her daughter’s U11 team and is an assistant coach for her son’s U13 team.
She counts herself lucky as a young player to have had two female coaches who were attending the University of Alberta running her team. She was inspired to do the same during her university years initially as an assistant coach and then head coach. “I stayed with those girls as their coach until they aged out, and it was a thrill for me when two of my players decided to stay involved with TRSA coaching a younger girls team together.”
After learning about the high rate of children dropping out of sports in their teens, girls in particular, Joanna is focused on keeping players interested in soccer well past age 12 so they will stay active in the future.
“As a coach, it’s rewarding to see growth and development in players as they progress. They gain confidence, self-esteem, and teamwork skills that they show on and off the field,” says Joanna.
Confident players give it their all when they know they are backed by a team of parent volunteers who believe in them.
Parents can indicate their volunteer interest during the player registration process. For more information about the TRSA soccer program, visit TRSA.ca.
