Website Manager

Shenandoah County Soccer League

News Detail

26

Nov, 2020

Thankful and Grateful

Happy Thanksgiving!

2020 has not been a great year. I don't think I'm surprising anyone or providing a hot take when I say that.

Yet despite the enormous hardships and unexpected challenges this year has brought us, there is still more than enough for which we can be thankful and grateful if we choose.

Personally, I am thankful we were able to successfully provide fall soccer for our kids. Other sports were not able to figure out how to manage the risk, but we did, and our kids definitely benefited from being able to be themselves and be around other kids for an hour on Saturdays.

I am grateful for all of the parents who trusted us when we said we could play soccer safely, and who cooperated with most of the rules we put in place to reduce the risk of anyone getting sick.

I am very grateful for our volunteer coaches who organized safer practices, diligently asked kids whether they had any symptoms, and had the tough conversations when it was time to tell parents that their daughter or son shouldn't participate.

There is a lot of emotional labor in coaching, and our coaches do it without being paid. They deserve all of our thanks.

I am also very grateful for the dedication and bravery of the SCSL Board of Directors. When we started preparing for the fall season we had no idea whether we would be able to play a single game, let alone a full season. They knew the work they did could be for nothing, but they enthusiastically tackled what needed to be done so our kids could play, and their hard work paid off.

We're not out of the woods yet; the League operated at a significant loss in 2020, and we need to get out of the hole. We are moving forward with plans for the spring season, and hopefully launching a new adult program as well. The only way out of where we are now is forward.

We're not in control of what happens in the wider world, but we will continue to be smart and careful about what we can control.

Making personal sacrifices so kids have the chance to live better lives is one of the hallmarks of a good life.

Thank you for all the sacrifices you made in 2020, and what you will continue to do for the League and our kids.

Sincerely,

Adam Sharp
President
Shenandoah County Soccer League
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