Stepping on the glistening grass, head coach senior Ashley Lemos and assistant coaches sophomore Chase Lemos and senior Matthew Praslin, dressed in blue and black uniforms, carefully set up a soccer net as the young athletes warmed up.
“Nowadays, kids are more involved in technology,” Praslin said. “However, here we have a good opportunity to encourage the kids to go outside, play with their friends and play their favorite sports, which allows them to interact with nature.”
The American Youth Soccer Organization is a soccer league where players ranging from kids to teenagers can develop their skills. Praslin, A. Lemos and C. Lemos coach the Lady Dolphins, a team for girls aged six years and under.
“You have to lead by example so when they grow up they know what to do,” C. Lemos said. “As a part of AYSO, I feel glad that I can coach young athletes and see them score.”
Coaches teach the Lady Dolphins skills such as passing, shooting, defending and dribbling. They practice at 5 p.m on Fridays and compete against other teams at Live Oak Park on Saturdays.
“I think I make it more fun for them to come to practice and to learn soccer and different kinds of skills,” A. Lemos said. “I just provide a way to let them get away from school life because they are so little and energetic and they need entertainment.”
A. Lemos has volunteered with AYSO since she was 15 years old, but this is her first year of coaching. As a head coach, she has gained independence and patience through communicating with athletes and their parents and coordinating practice schedules.
“At first I was a little nervous and hesitant to see how they would be and react to me,” A. Lemos said. “But as they started to get more comfortable with me, I got to know their personalities and have more interactions with them.”