GALT, CA (MPG) - The City of Galt is actively searching for volunteers from the community who can help coach and mentor local young athletes from first through eighth grade in basketball.

Coaches will help athletes work on their teamwork and sportsmanship skills, while creating lasting memories for both volunteers and youth players.

Parks and Recreation Director Armando Solis encouraged residents to get involved, sharing that his own experience as a coach showed him the value of volunteering to teach local youth.

Solis recalled when his youngest son was four and playing T-ball that he wanted to step in.

 

Those who volunteer as basketball coaches will be helping local youth athletes work on their teamwork and sportsmanship skills, while creating lasting memories for both volunteers and players. Photo courtesy of City of Galt

“I realized I would need to coach him the following year because, how could I complain about a person spending their own time for free coaching while I sat in the stands complaining? That decision changed my life forever,” Solis said.

What began as an effort to coach his son turned into a life lesson, according to Solis.

“As I look back 27 years later, I realize those kids were teaching me,” Solis said. “They taught me patience, kindness and the ability to relate to every level.”

Over the years, Solis has coached athletes from elementary school to high school varsity.

 

Here are the fifth- and sixth-grade girl team champions from the past season in the Galt Youth Basketball program with coach De la Cruz. 

“I have kids in their mid-30s that I’ve coached who still call me coach today and that’s out of love from them,” he said. “I have officiated two of their weddings and met their children, all because I coached.”

Residents who want to make a difference in the community can consider volunteering as youth coaches in Galt.

Recreation Supervisor Monica Lopez said that coaches are typically 18 years of age and above. If someone under the age of 18 wants to volunteer, an adult must be present.

She noted that grades four through eight will have drafts the week of Oct. 20. Practices for second- through eighth-grade players begin the week of Nov. 3.

 

The City of Galt is actively searching for volunteers from the community who can help coach and mentor local young athletes from first- through eighth-grade in basketball.

“We ask that coaches offer one to two practices per week per team. Games will be on Saturdays beginning in December and will go through the end of February,” said Lopez.

In partnership with Papas & Wings, the city is offering two free Stockton Kings tickets each per volunteer youth basketball coach. Lopez added that this is a great opportunity for the city and its participants to attend a game.

An application will need to be submitted, along with a Live Scan (fingerprinting and background check). Results from a tuberculosis (TB) test from within the last four years will also be required.

Those interested may contact the Recreation Division at 209-366-7177 or visit bit.ly/volunteercoaches.

 

Pictured is the fifth- and sixth-grade runner-up boys’ team from the previous Galt Youth Basketball program season with coach Cathey.