The Reference That Reminded Me Why This Matters
Recently, I received a message from a former athlete I had the privilege to coach—and later supervise as an umpire with the Stingers.
Her note was simple:
“Would you be willing to be a reference for a job I just applied to?”
My answer was immediate. Of course.
But after I replied, I paused.
Because the truth is… I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve received messages just like that.
Requests to be a reference for:
- A first job
- A university application
- A new apartment
- A scholarship
And every single time, I feel the same two things:
Honoured. Proud.
But also… something deeper.
The Part No One Tells You About Coaching
When most people think about volunteering in sport, they think about:
- Practices
- Game days
- Schedules
- Equipment
- Time commitments
What they don’t think about is this:
👉 Years later, someone you coached will trust you to speak on their behalf… when it matters most.
That trust isn’t built overnight.
It’s built:
- In how you treat them after a tough game
- In whether you notice effort—not just performance
- In whether you speak positively about them… even when they’re not in the room
That last one matters more than we realize.
Because one day, you will be the person speaking about them when they’re not there.
And your words will carry weight.
The Hidden Legacy of Community Coaches
We often talk about the need for more volunteers in community sport.
And yes—there is a real need.
But maybe we’ve been telling the story the wrong way.
Because this isn’t just about filling roles.
This is about shaping lives in ways that last far beyond the season.
A great coach doesn’t just teach skills.
They help build:
- Confidence
- Accountability
- Communication
- Resilience
- Self-belief
And sometimes… they become one of the first people a young person thinks of when they need someone to vouch for them in the real world.
That’s not small.
That’s life-shaping.
The Payback No One Can Measure
I never coached for money.
Like so many volunteers across the country, I gave my time because I believed in it.
But if I’m being honest…
The return has been far greater than anything I could have been paid.
Because the real “payback” has been:
- The relationships built
- The positive energy it brings into my life
- The privilege of watching young people grow into incredible adults
- And moments like this… when they come back and ask for your support
That kind of impact stays with you.
A Gentle Ask—to Anyone Thinking About Volunteering
If you’ve ever thought about volunteering… or coaching… even just a little…
This is your sign.
You don’t need to be perfect.
You don’t need to be an expert.
You just need to care.
Because years from now, you may be the person someone turns to and says:
“Would you be willing to be a reference for me?”
And in that moment, you’ll realize…
You didn’t just help run a team.
You helped shape a life.
For Organizations: A Different Way to Think About Volunteers
If you’re part of a community sport organization, here’s something worth considering:
Volunteers aren’t just filling roles.
They are:
- Mentors
- Role models
- Future references
- Lifelong connectors to your community
When we recruit and retain volunteers, we’re not just sustaining programs.
We’re building a network of people who will carry influence and impact far beyond the field, rink, or court.
(If you’re looking for ways to attract, support, and retain volunteers, we’ve built practical templates and resources to help—available through Sportall.)
Find Your Place to Help
If you’re ready to get involved, the hardest part is often just knowing where to start.
That’s exactly why we built Sportall.ca—to make it easy to find local sport and recreation organizations near you.
👉 Search your community
👉 Discover local groups
👉 Reach out and offer your time
Because every organization is looking for someone just like you.
Final Thought
We often measure success in sport by wins, standings, and stats.
But maybe the real measure is this:
Who comes back years later… and asks you to speak for them.
And what you get to say when they do.
