JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Summertime has ended and most children have traded their relaxing day-time hours for the hustle and bustle of school and homework. Along with the children’s added responsibilities of getting good grades, many parents also see an uptick in duties as they support good study habits and help out with projects. During this squeeze on a person’s daily schedule, it becomes more evident that parent-coaches and young athletes still participate in youth sports for more reasons than just ‘something to do’.
“I think it’s the most rewarding volunteer job in the military,” said Senior Master Sgt. Steven Hart, JBER Youth Sports Program volunteer coach. “After 20 years [in service] I have done a lot of things, but seeing the kids’ interaction with each other and us is just fantastic. Everybody wants to play hard and win, but that’s not what matters most. They have a great time and get so excited to play. Being able to be a part of that is pretty awesome.”
Hart coached youth sports at JBER for three years and has volunteered as a coach for the past 10 years. He has coached baseball, full-contact football, flag football, tee ball, and a variety of other sports across many bases and surrounding communities. This year he is breaking new ground.
“This is my first soccer season,” Hart said. “I never coached soccer before because I didn’t play it when I was younger. But there is always a dire need for coaches so I am helping wherever I can. I’m used to dealing with parents and kids so it’s not that much different. We are having some success and the kids are having a lot of fun, and that’s what matters.”
Hart’s son Alex has been playing in the JBER Youth Sports Program for three years and is currently on his dad’s soccer team. Alex said he started the season with children he went to school with, and enjoys having friendly conversations with his competition before and after games.
Hart agreed the social network, as well as the physical outlet, makes it worth the extra commitment to participate in sports.
“It’s rough on a parent or child coming out here after a full day of work or school, but I think it’s great that the kids get to meet children from other schools and see that they are going through the same challenges,” said Hart. “Some kids go to Orion, some may go to Ursa Minor or an off-base school … it’s just a good mix.
“If you have not experienced the youth program here, it is exceptional,” said Hart. “This is my fourth base involved with a youth center and this one is head-and-shoulders above the rest. This program is awesome and what they have been able to do with these kids has been amazing.”
Alex said he has had a lot of fun playing sports both during the summer and the school year and offered a word of advice for any young athletes that want to try out a sport.
“Keep practicing and you will get better at it,” said Alex. “If you commit to it then you must finish it. So, just practice and have fun.”
JBER Youth Sports programs include baseball, flag football, basketball, cheerleading, indoor and outdoor soccer, girls’ softball, gymnastics, dance, and Tae Kwon Do. For more information on becoming a volunteer coach or enrolling a child in these programs, call the Youth Center at 552-KIDS or 552-2266.