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Columbia County athletics program reports 18% annual growth; seeks volunteer coaches and officials
Summary
Columbia County athletics manager says youth sports participation rose about 18% year-over-year, with more than 10,000 registrants in fiscal 2025, about 450 teams expected this fall and ongoing needs for volunteer coaches and paid officials.
Jason English, Columbia County athletics manager, said the county's youth sports programs grew about 18% year-over-year, with just over 10,000 registrants in fiscal 2025 and roughly 450 teams expected in the coming fall season.
The growth matters because it is increasing the workload for the county's athletics staff and creating a shortage of volunteer coaches and paid officials, English said. "They're spending a lot of time recruiting volunteer coaches," he said, adding that referees and umpires are paid positions and the department is actively hiring…
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