Fort Mill urges volunteers for youth sports as Parks and Recreation marks July

The Town of Fort Mill on Monday highlighted a need for volunteer coaches and team managers in its youth sports programs as part of observance of National Parks and Recreation Month.

Colby Parnell, recreation superintendent for the Town of Fort Mill Parks and Recreation Department, said the department serves more than 5,000 participants annually and that youth teams average about 10 players, which translates into “over 500 volunteers.” He added that that figure does not include assistant coaches, team managers or the parents who help with communications and logistics.

Parnell said the department relies on volunteers to run leagues and asked residents interested in serving as head coaches, assistant coaches or team managers to indicate that preference when registering children. “We couldn’t do youth sports without our volunteer coaches,” Parnell said. “So for us, it’s just a simple thank you. We couldn’t be here without you as a volunteer, and we really need people, good people that want to help out and want to help the youth in our community.”

A town spokesperson also announced the National Parks and Recreation Month recognition and provided registration information. “To learn more about Fort Mill Recreation youth sports, go to fortmillsc.gov and click on parks and recreation,” the spokesperson said.

The messaging was informational; no formal actions, votes or policy changes were taken during the recorded announcement. The department asked volunteers to sign up during participant registration on the town website, where a drop-down selection lists volunteer roles.

Residents seeking more information can visit fortmillsc.gov and select Parks and Recreation to see program listings and volunteer options.