By Joseph Fondren
NEA Town Courier
Contributor
The Blytheville Soccer organization announced on its Facebook page Wednesday afternoon the 2024 soccer season will not take place.
“We just want to update everyone about the soccer. The few of us board members that are left and still active met last month. We voted not to have a season this year,” said the post. “We will keep the program going on the business side, but due to not having full commitment from a sufficient number of volunteers to help do all the work that goes into preparing for and running the season, there will be no fall season this year.
The post continued, “Hopefully, more parents will be willing to step up and help take over the program next year. We will likely host a meeting for potential volunteers late this fall to help plan our next move. Thank you for your understanding.”
After the announcement was posted several members of the community commented and shared the post trying to get support for the league to have a season. However, the admin of the page stated the decision was “final” and “hopefully enough fully committed parents will step up and help next year.”
Blytheville Mayor Melisa Logan asked for people to help volunteer in the future.
“It is disheartening to know that we are struggling to deliver youth sports activities in this community.
“The Soccer League has been a staple in this community for many years,” Logan told the Courier. “It is unfortunate that we do not have enough volunteers to be successful this season. Our sports programs rely on parent and community volunteers to help teach, learn, and grow. The benefits reaped are experienced both now and in the future when the community answers the call to volunteerism. I end with these questions. How do we encourage new volunteers? How do we encourage previous volunteers to re-engage?
Logan continued, “If you have a heart for our youth and the flexibility to volunteer, we ask that you consider our youth sports programs. It is a tremendous win-win situation for the children, volunteers, and the community.”
According to the Facebook bio, the Blytheville Soccer program is a volunteer- based, non- profit. 501c3 organization and is dedicated in providing a wholesome, enjoyable soccer experience to the children of the Greater Blytheville Area.