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Become an SYA Volunteer

SYA is a volunteer-led and volunteer-driven youth organization.  Every year, we depend on and appreciate the everlasting contributions of the many individuals who devote time from their busy workdays, weekends, and evenings to ensure young athletes have an opportunity to play the sport they love.

Volunteers are important, influential, powerful, and game-changing. They foster positive experiences for youth athletes so they can acquire the inherent values that sports activities teach – sportsmanship, teamwork, discipline, and self-control. Without them, our games could not be played.

HERE’S WHAT OUR VOLUNTEERS DO FOR US:

  • Increase participation. Participation in extracurricular sports significantly impacts short- and long-term educational, emotional, behavioral, and physical outcomes for kids. Our volunteers allow SYA to thrive by devoting their time and energy to ensure young athletes have an opportunity to get involved and reap the benefits of being a part of a community.

  • Strengthen local communities. SYA volunteers not only fortify our youth sports; they also strengthen the communities in which they serve. Beyond being visible leaders, educators, and administrators, they provide the nuts and bolts that allow our youth teams to function, such as lining the field, setting up and tearing down events, or announcing games. Their efforts are felt throughout entire communities and provide a sense of local pride.

  • Serve as mentors. Our volunteers, especially coaches, have a strong influence on youth athletes. In addition to being tasked with developing better players, they also serve as role models by promoting healthy living, social responsibility, and education. As mentors, they are molding well-rounded individuals who learn the principles of arduous work, self-confidence, leadership, resilience, and teamwork.

  • Best of all, they keep sports thriving. SYA’s future will always be connected to the volunteers who help push it forward. Their devotion keeps our sports flourishing and maximizes the experience for athletes everywhere. Without their support, the game would not exist.

Talk to your Sports Director about available opportunities today!!


Steps to Become a Volunteer

Volunteers who have direct contact with SYA youth members must comply with  Pennsylvania State Guidelines.  This includes all registered Coaches, Assistant Coaches, Team Parents, etc. These volunteers must obtain and provide all of the below background clearance checks to the SYA sports director.  Copies can be in paper or electronic versions (PDFs and/or scanned images).

1

Child Abuse History Clearance from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services

Pennsylvania Child Welfare Information Solution

2

PA State Police Criminal Record Check

https://epatch.pa.gov/home

3

Signed Disclosure Statement Application
(if continuous PA resident for ten (10) years)

https://www.dhs.pa.gov/KeepKidsSafe/Clearances/Pages/default.aspx

 

   

All child abuse history clearances and state and federal criminal background checks last for 60 months. If you have had background checks that were completed more than 60 months ago, recertification is required.

There is no cost to you for this three-step background clearance. However, if you have not lived continuously in Pennsylvania for the last ten (10) years, an FBI Fingerprint-based check is required and is administered for a small fee. Use Service code 1KG6ZJ when completing this process.

To find a location that offers fingerprinting services, please visit: https://www.identogo.com/locations

Discounts or other incentives may be available for volunteers. Please discuss with the appropriate Sports Director.

Current SYA Volunteer Opportunities