Hitting the wrong nerve

To the Editor:

There’s really no polite way to say ‘Enough is enough,’ with the negativity from some people within this community, regarding the hard work that our St. Paul Soccer Association (SPSA) volunteers commit to doing. To build and maintain the kind of community we want St. Paul to be, we all need to be allies of each other, which means speaking up when hurtful speech occurs.

My wife is the president of the SPSA. I praised my wife for taking on such a big challenge, and told her she was going to have some hurdles to face. I honestly can’t keep track of the countless hours she spends daily setting up tournaments, in meetings, on phone calls or emails, etc., the list goes on. Our family life has taken a backseat so she can keep a great sport and program running for St. Paul and its residents.

Some of the executives have multiple positions they are trying to fill, as no one else is willing to step up and get involved. The stress level these volunteers have been burdened with is uncalled for. Some of the executives are stepping down from being overloaded; they are still happy to be with SPSA, but cannot push or drive their position any longer. We all have full-time jobs, we all have families, and we all have busy lifestyles. People still need to do their part to help make things a success.

There are some people who only look at the mistakes, then whine, complain and criticize on how poor things are being done. These same people have the time to go on Facebook, and badmouth the SPSA and the executive group. Before you start to run your mouth and bash the hard work from these dedicated individuals, stop and look at yourself in the mirror. It’s easy to stand on the sidelines and be a critic, and select individuals are doing that rather well. Remember who this sport is for – the kids. What kind of impression are you leaving with all the kids on the pitch when they hear or read that kind of negativity?

My final comment, if people want to run down sport groups or volunteers, whatever the case may be, remove the child and the parent(s) from that sport and tell them they are no longer welcome until the parent(s) steps up, and becomes a member of the executive to help us all achieve the same goal, A Fun Positive Sport for the Kids.

Instead of being part of the problem, get involved and become part of the solution! If not, keep your rude and ignorant comments to yourself. Our volunteers are doing the best they can and are doing a great job.

Rob Duffy

Soccer dad, husband and volunteer