ALITHSA Volunteer Recognition Program

Tanya Perez - U7 Coach

ALITHSA would like to recognize Coach Tanya Perez for her "above and beyond" volunteer work.

One of the emails we receive nominating Tanya said: "I want to nominate Tanya Perez (coach of the U-7 Bulldogs) who had never coached or played organized soccer before and did an outstanding job handling and encouraging the kids (who loved her), she also made sure that sportsmanship was more important than winning."

We took a few minutes of Tanya's time to get to know her better.

ALITHSA:

How did you get involved in soccer and how did you pick the game up so fast?

Tanya:

I actually come from a soccer filled family. My father which is our assistant coach has always had the family involved in soccer. He is still playing until this day! I used to play soccer until I was about 12 years old and I always knew that it was something that my kids would be involved in. It really is a family tradition.

ALITHSA:

What are the three top things for you as a coach?

Tanya:

Good Sportsmanship, good teamwork and for me to be a good role model for all the kids on the team especially the girls!

ALITHSA:

What in your view are the top three things for the players?

Tanya:

Number one is again good sportsmanship, teamwork and most importantly to enjoy themselves on the field.

ALITHSA:

What can we teach our kids about playing soccer and who is your >favorite soccer player (or other sport) - role model?

Tanya:

I would like to teach the kids that in isn't so much about winning or losing, it is about the way you play the game. It is also very important to teach them about good teamwork! I don't watch a lot of professional sport so I would have to say my father. He has played soccer his whole life and continues to play today. He is still pretty good for an old guy!

ALITHSA:

Please tell us about your most special soccer memory or event.

Tanya:

It hasn't happened yet but on May 27 I am going with my family to see the Colombia vs. Romania at Soldier Field. This is going to be my first professional soccer game and I will be able to enjoy it with all the people I love.

ALITHSA:

How in your mind can we make soccer in ALITHSA as creative and fun as possible?

Tanya:

I actually think that the organization is set up wonderfully. They make it very pleasant for everyone. Players, parents and especially all the volunteers.

ALITHSA:

Anything special you would like to share with all of us in ALITHSA about being a volunteer?

Tanya:

It is a funny story about how I became coach. I did not volunteer at first. The team did not have a coach so I sent an e-mail to Michelle asking when the games and practices were. Then Michelle replied and was kind of like great I will sign you up! But I am glad she did. I was a little intimidated at first especially when I found out that one of parents was the previous coach. But in the end all the parents were great and I couldn't have asked for a better group of kids! GO BULLDOGS!

ALITHSA:

Thank you Tanya!

If you know of any ALITHSA coach, asst. coach, team mom, referee or coordinator that goes above and beyond, please let us know about it. We want to regularly recognize those that stand out from the crowd.

Please send your nominations and the reason for the nomination to mvp@alithsa.org.

Home Page Recreational Program Travel Program Registration Parent Participation Rec Schedules Travel Schedules FAQ Medical Waiver Form Maps to Parks Incident Report Form Volunteer Recognition Referee Information The Laws of the Game ALITHSA Constitution Board Meeting Minutes Contact Us		ALITHSA Volunteer Recognition Program Tanya Perez - U7 Coach ALITHSA would like to recognize Coach Tanya Perez for her "above and beyond" volunteer work. One of the emails we receive nominating Tanya said: "I want to nominate Tanya Perez (coach of the U-7 Bulldogs) who had never coached or played organized soccer before and did an outstanding job handling and encouraging the kids (who loved her), she also made sure that sportsmanship was more important than winning." We took a few minutes of Tanya's time to get to know her better. ALITHSA: How did you get involved in soccer and how did you pick the game up so fast? Tanya: I actually come from a soccer filled family. My father which is our assistant coach has always had the family involved in soccer. He is still playing until this day! I used to play soccer until I was about 12 years old and I always knew that it was something that my kids would be involved in. It really is a family tradition. ALITHSA: What are the three top things for you as a coach? Tanya: Good Sportsmanship, good teamwork and for me to be a good role model for all the kids on the team especially the girls! ALITHSA: What in your view are the top three things for the players? Tanya: Number one is again good sportsmanship, teamwork and most importantly to enjoy themselves on the field. ALITHSA: What can we teach our kids about playing soccer and who is your >favorite soccer player (or other sport) - role model? Tanya: I would like to teach the kids that in isn't so much about winning or losing, it is about the way you play the game. It is also very important to teach them about good teamwork! I don't watch a lot of professional sport so I would have to say my father. He has played soccer his whole life and continues to play today. He is still pretty good for an old guy! ALITHSA: Please tell us about your most special soccer memory or event. Tanya: It hasn't happened yet but on May 27 I am going with my family to see the Colombia vs. Romania at Soldier Field. This is going to be my first professional soccer game and I will be able to enjoy it with all the people I love. ALITHSA: How in your mind can we make soccer in ALITHSA as creative and fun as possible? Tanya: I actually think that the organization is set up wonderfully. They make it very pleasant for everyone. Players, parents and especially all the volunteers. ALITHSA: Anything special you would like to share with all of us in ALITHSA about being a volunteer? Tanya: It is a funny story about how I became coach. I did not volunteer at first. The team did not have a coach so I sent an e-mail to Michelle asking when the games and practices were. Then Michelle replied and was kind of like great I will sign you up! But I am glad she did. I was a little intimidated at first especially when I found out that one of parents was the previous coach. But in the end all the parents were great and I couldn't have asked for a better group of kids! GO BULLDOGS! ALITHSA: Thank you Tanya! If you know of any ALITHSA coach, asst. coach, team mom, referee or coordinator that goes above and beyond, please let us know about it. We want to regularly recognize those that stand out from the crowd. Please send your nominations and the reason for the nomination to mvp@alithsa.org.