But where does that leave everybody? There is a feeling among some people that LTPD is for the "experts" to deliver and everybody else to sit back and enjoy.
Ummmm .... I don't think that's correct. In fact, I know it's not correct.
The first thing you need to remember is that you don't have to be an experienced athlete to positively contribute to a soccer club.
With LTPD soccer will need even more people.
- Smaller teams = more teams = more grassroots/parent coaches
- More teams = more games/week = more officials/conveners/facilitators/etc
- More teams = more sponsors = people for community outreach
- More GrassRoots soccer = more festivals = you know what .... people
- More information = more communication = more questions = people to understand and answer questions at the club level
- Different size fields and goals = new goals = $$$ = people to locate/arrange/raise funding
- More fields = possibly more maintenance = better working relationship with local government = people/committees for outreach/lobbying
- More equipment = more organized people to distribute and track balls/pinnies/cones and other club assets.
- More people = more diverse boards and committee with skills covering a wider spectrum
- Closer ties to districts and province = people to perform liaison functions.
This list may sound simplistic, but it does show where different skills sets are needed to make a club go forward.
"you don't have to be an experienced athlete to positively contribute to a soccer club. "
There will be need for technical and non-technical people alike. The OSA and CSA are engaging people of all skillsets in implementing LTPD. The traditional board structure will not suffice in the future.
LTPD is focused on the player, but it's working to improve the entire soccer environment and that includes every stakeholder.
Contact your local club today to see how you can be helpful.
I wrote a previous article on the community and LTPD.