At Northern Piedmont Sports Club (NPSC), volunteers are more than just helpful hands. They are the heart of our programs and a driving force behind everything we do. From coaching on the sidelines to setting up fields and organizing equipment, volunteers make youth sports happen. Their time, energy, and dedication don’t just create better experiences for kids, they directly help keep registration costs down. Why Volunteers Matter NPSC serves thousands of families across Fauquier, Culpeper, and the surrounding counties with recreational and travel soccer, recreational and travel volleyball, basketball, cheerleading, and flag football. Our programs run year round. Unlike some larger organizations that rely heavily on paid staff or outside vendors, we operate with a lean administrative team and a wide network of volunteers. This intentional model keeps our programs community-driven and cost-effective. Many people may not realize just how much volunteers contribute to the success of each season. Here’s a quick look at the roles volunteers fill at NPSC: Recreational coaches and assistant coaches Team managers Field setup and takedown crews Event volunteers for tournaments and club-wide activities Administrative support for check-ins, schedules, and communications Every hour volunteered is an hour the club doesn’t have to pay someone else to do the work. That translates directly into savings—and allows us to keep registration fees among the lowest in the region. Cost Savings in Action Let’s break it down. Hiring paid coaches or seasonal staff for all of our recreational teams would significantly increase our overhead. In fact, if every coach were paid even a modest stipend, we’d be forced to raise registration costs by $25–$50 per player, per season. Field maintenance and setup is another area where volunteers have a huge impact. Each season, volunteers help place goals, and transport equipment—tasks that would require hiring part-time workers if we didn’t have community members stepping in. In total, volunteer contributions save the club tens of thousands of dollars each year. These savings allow us to: Offer affordable fees for families at every income level Provide financial assistance to players in need Invest in program quality—like coaching education and equipment—without raising prices Expand programming sustainably as demand grows More Than Just Cost Savings While the financial benefits of volunteering are critical, the impact goes far beyond the budget. Volunteers create connection. They build a sense of ownership, pride, and shared purpose among families and coaches. They model service and teamwork for the young athletes they support. Volunteering is also a great way to get involved in your child’s sports experience. Whether you’re coaching a team, helping at the Hunt Country Classic, or assisting with logistics behind the scenes, your presence shows young athletes that their community values and supports them. Everyone Has Something to Offer You don’t need to be a former athlete or have a background in sports to volunteer at NPSC. We offer support, training, and guidance to help everyone succeed in their role. Even just a few hours per season can make a big difference. And if you’re short on time but still want to support the club? Consider helping with special events, administrative projects, or one-time needs. Every bit helps, and every volunteer matters. Join the Team Volunteers are the backbone of Northern Piedmont Sports Club. They help us stay true to our mission of providing high-quality, affordable youth sports opportunities for all. When you volunteer, you’re not only giving back—you’re making it possible for more kids to play.  Ready to lend a hand? Visit npscunited.org to explore current volunteer opportunities or reach out to our Executive Director, Dr. Amie Bowman ( executivedirector@npscunited.org ), to learn more. Let’s work together to keep our club strong, connected, and accessible for all families in our community!