With its annual general meeting on the horizon, the Stettler Minor Soccer Association is in desperate need of volunteers for next year.
Krista Stewart, the association’s travel team co-ordinator, said she’s hoping to get the word out in advance of the meeting, coming up on Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. at the Stettler Recreation Centre.
While around 400 kids between the ages of two and 17 signed up for soccer this past summer, Stewart said the association “had a heck of a time finding coaches,” especially for younger age groups.
The lack of volunteers has been an ongoing problem for the association. Last year, only two people, in addition to board members, showed up for the annual general meeting.
Stewart said many of the positions available are not major commitments. For instance, team co-ordinators are needed for younger age groups to organize teams, find coaches and set up the schedule for snacks. Stewart estimated the total time needed at 10 hours.
“None of them are big jobs,” she said, but added that it was problematic “if it all falls to the same four people.”
The board will have four vacancies to fill this fall; Stewart and equipment manager Nicole Verhoeven both have a year remaining in their terms.
The association is also receptive to volunteers interested in coaching or managing teams. Typically, teams are coached by one of the parents, but this year a lack of interest forced the association to reach out to community members.
“You don’t have to have a huge knowledge of soccer to coach the (younger) divisions,” said Stewart.
Anyone interested in getting involved is welcome to attend the Nov. 6 meeting. For more information, contact president Shelley Davis-Hall at 403-323-1124 or visit www.stettlerminorsoccer.weebly.com.