5 Tips for Future LYSA TOPSoccer Volunteers

After a long season full of physical stress, conquering emotional difficulties, and dragging myself out of my dorm room every Sunday morning, my time with LYSA TOPSoccer has come to an end. In recognition of a great season, TOPSoccer athletes, coaches, and volunteers joined together at Henry Clay High School to look back on the fall session and give awards to recognized athletes and family members.

In reminiscence of this season, I would like to dedicate this post to future volunteers and give them the top 5 tips they should learn before volunteering with this program. I know that this was a difficult learning experience for me, and I would've loved some advice before entering the program, so that's exactly what I've set out to do today, give some helpful advice :)

#5: Communicate

At first, I was very intimidated to work hands on with my buddy. I was afraid he wouldn't understand me, or would quickly become frustrated and aggressive like I had seen him behave with the coaches. However, I found that if you just get on your player's level, share eye contact, and truly let them know you're welcome to whatever they're feeling, they quickly open up to you. Using the right communication skills with your athlete will allow them to be open and comfortable with you, leading to a better experience for you both.

#4: Be yourself

It can be very tempting to change who you are or how you behave around the athletes with disabilities -- DON'T do this! The coaches and staff have chosen you as a volunteer for a reason! More than likely, you're capable of working with others, you're comfortable in your own shoes, and you're easy to talk to. That's exactly what these athletes need in a buddy: someone they can look up to. Don't change who you are just to fit in or make the time pass quicker. If you allow yourself to be present and open, you'll learn something about your athlete as well as yourself.

#3: Treat the athletes with equal respect

In any situation, I like to apply the golden rule: "treat others the way you want to be treated". These athletes are unique and beautiful just the way they are. Even though they may be different than yourself, I invite you to treat them as your equal or your superior. Don't talk down at your athlete and make sure they're aware of how important they are as a member of the team. At the end of the day, we are all humans, and each of us deserves our entitled respect.

#2: Be patient

Working with one athlete every week can become repetitive, and even annoying. However, each practice is the chance for lessons to be learned and relationships to be strengthened. Even when the practices become daunting and you would rather be anywhere but in the middle of a soccer field in 55 degree weather on a Sunday afternoon, realize that patience is key. Learn to tolerate your impatience and allow yourself to be in the present moment. For example, my athlete, Caleb, loved to run away from the practices. If I let go of his hand for more than 3 seconds, he would be yards away in a full sprint. Chasing after him all the time could be very annoying, but I knew I was the only person there who could get him to return to the practice field. If I had become frustrated and walked out on Caleb every time he ran away, he may have become seriously injured or removed from the program. Your present moment is more important than anything else. Don't let small things get in the way of your experience with this amazing program.

#1: Even if it's not required, go to the practices

Although CIS 112 only requires students to receive 10 hours of volunteering credit with their service learning organization, I would challenge every volunteer to go to as many practices and events as possible. Especially with TOPSoccer it's very important that the athletes buddy is there every week, otherwise they have no one to help them through the practices. Believe me, I know how hard it is to roll out of bed on a Sunday morning and go anywhere. Due to my busy schedule, I was unavailable for many of these practices, which I regret not going to. By the end of my 3rd and final practice with TOPSoccer, Caleb was constantly hugging me around the neck and trying to kiss me on the cheek to symbolize how much he appreciated me being there for him those 3 weeks. I wish I had gotten the chance to grow closer to him. Although there are plenty of other distractions, I would encourage every volunteer to attend practice every Sunday and cherish your time with your athlete. You're changing their lives in more ways than you know.

I'm so thankful for the time I got to spend with this program and I want to wish the incoming volunteers a very happy season!