Information submitted by Lane Roberts, Castle Pines Athletics

Finding a balance between working full time and being a parent can be quite challenging. Throw in an extra eight to 10 kids, and things can get even more complicated.

Twice a week, and even on Saturdays, dozens of dedicated working parents offer their time and talents to help teach sports to the children of Castle Pines North (CPN.)

Since Castle Pines Athletics first began in March 2009, more than 60 local parents have stepped up to be volunteer coaches for the local program. Now entering its sixth season, the program continues to provide local outdoor recreational sports to children ages 4 to third grade, thanks to parent volunteers.

“These parents give back so much to this community,” said Emily Bishop, manager of Castle Pines Athletics. “They give us their time and their skills, and are the ones that truly make Castle Pines Athletics a success. We could not run this program without them.”

In the “real world,” coaches for Castle Pines Athletics are financial advisors, physicians, sales managers, marketing directors, IT managers, small business owners, and executive vice presidents. Yet each week, they find time to head to the fields for soccer, baseball, or T-ball practice.

“Many of our coaches come back every soccer season,” Bishop continued. “We have several parents who have coached now for four consecutive soccer seasons. The kids love them so much they ask to be back on their team each season.”

CPN resident Dr. Danny Soteres has been coaching in the program since his son started soccer at age four and is now coaching his fourth soccer season with Castle Pines Athletics. “The opportunity to coach in Castle Pines Athletics has been great. I enjoy meeting the other kids and their parents. It is an honor to be introducing these kids to the joy of team sports, developing new skills and playing well together,” he said.

For most coaches, a true love of sports plus the enjoyment of watching children learn makes the time worthwhile.

“The enjoyment I get from coaching for Castle Pines Athletics is first the quality time I get to spend with my daughter, the pride and excitement she has for me being her coach, and the way the kids light up when they start to understand the game and have success,” said fourth season soccer coach and CPN resident Roman Berry.

For Jeff DePasse, CPN resident and soccer and T-ball coach, Castle Pines Athletics is about building friendships. “The tag line ‘Play at Home’ really says it for our kids and families,” said DePasse. “We feel fortunate to have the opportunity to interact in a comfortable local environment which promotes friendships and exercise.”

John Pettygrove, a Glen Oaks resident, has coached with Castle Pines Athletics for six consecutive seasons.

“Since Castle Pines Athletics first began, John has been a coach for every single soccer and baseball season. He is truly a dedicated volunteer coach and parent. His contributions and support of this program are amazing,” said Lane Roberts, owner and director of Castle Pines Athletics. “We are truly grateful to all of our parent coaches who make this program possible for our children.”

To learn more, visit www.castlepinesathletics.com or e-mail.