When There’s No Soccer Coach For Youth, We Step Up

This season at the Family YMCA of Marion and Polk Counties, a group of twelve 1st and 2nd graders signed up for its youth summer soccer program—excited to move, play, and learn. But when the season began, their youth sports program unexpectedly had no coach. The kids missed their first week of practice. No drills. No teammates. No play.

When we heard from parents that their children couldn’t participate, our founder, Michael Arthur, stepped in to volunteer. With over a decade of experience coaching youth soccer, Michale brings not only structure and skill—but mentorship, joy, and a deep understanding of what sport can mean to a child’s growth and confidence.

Practice begins next week, and thanks to his leadership, twelve young athletes will finally have the chance to experience everything YMCA Youth Sports stands for:

✔ Everyone Plays

✔ Safety First

✔ Character Development

✔ Positive Competition

✔ Family Involvement

✔ Sport for All

✔ Sport for Fun

We deeply admire the YMCA’s commitment to youth development, healthy living, and community building. Offering free sports programming to members is no small feat—and it plays a critical role in keeping kids active, connected, and confident. We’re grateful for the space the YMCA creates and proud to contribute to a mission that uplifts so many families across Marion and Polk Counties.

At the Congregation of Black Naturalists, we value responsiveness, reliability, and making sure no child is left waiting for the chance to play. We step in to lift up what’s already in place. We’re excited about the opportunity to build with the YMCA—to enhance its soccer programming and bring high-quality training and mentorship to more youth across Marion and Polk Counties.

We’re proud to act when the moment calls. We’re honored to serve when youth need support. And we’re committed to growing this kind of hands-on, community-rooted leadership.

Because this is what showing up looks like—one practice at a time.