PLAYERS’ VOICE THE MISSION 

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A campaign intended to give a voice to youth players that their worth goes beyond the game. 

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Players Voice promotes the belief that organized sports is a great outlet for kids of all ages. It teaches skills in teamwork, perseverance, and determination. It builds character and introduces opportunities for wins and loses. But while we love sports and the competition it brings, setting an example and spreading the message that the players have value, can and should fulfill their positive potential, and live with purpose regardless of what happened on the playing surface will always come first.

 

Each design was created with the idea that the game can teach so much. It’s a place to build character, practice discipline, and challenge limits. Players learn how to work well with others, what it means to be a team, how to endure losses, and the joy of celebrating wins. Done well, the lessons learned on the playing surface translate into more than a win on the scoreboard. They add up to wins in life. 

 

The Players’ Voice campaign is dedicated to creating products that spark conversation within youth athletics to remind players and patrons that self worth and success go well beyond the game. 

 

When you buy a product from the Players' Voice campaign a percentage of the profits go directly to help support youth athletic development.  

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Want to support your team or sports organization?  Check out our no hassle fundraising services. 

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THE STORY BEHIND THE CAMPAIGN 

 

Soccer mom, a title I never intended to have, but learned to embrace it. Or so I thought! The family car turned into the soccer taxi. Monday through Friday was filled with practices, scrimmages, and trainings while the weekends were games and travel. I supported my player. I encouraged her to do her best and dig deeper to unlock all the potential soccer could bring. She loved the game, and I loved to watch her play. 

 

Then that day happened! I had gotten too invested into what could be and had forgotten what was. In a moment the game went from what my player did to who my player was. I found myself reacting as such. I will never forget the decibel and disgust in which the following words rang from my mouth:

 

“They are killing you in the passes!” 

 

They were words intended for my player’s ears only, but they found their way into the hearts and minds of every young lady battling for the ball on the parents’ side of the field that day. The girls being startled, looked up from the field and made eye contact with me. My heart sank. I wanted to hide. I wanted to explain. I wanted to erase the words, but it was too late. 

 

I had allowed a temporary moment of emotion to erode a lifetime of work building into and uplifting the next generation. I allowed it to challenge my own ability to act according to an active message I have long championed. A message that believes that every child (regardless of behavior reports, academic marks, or athletic performance) has irreplaceable value and should be given every opportunity and encouragement to reach their full positive potential and live with purpose. 

 

Ashamed, I walked to my car and waited inside until the game ended. When my daughter got into the car, her spirit was defeated. She confirmed that all the girls close to the parents’ side had heard my onslaught of correction directed towards her but received by them. She proceeded to tell me as she had many times before how all the players hate the “parents’ side”. Although there were no immediate answers of how to undo what had been done, I knew I never wanted my sideline passion to crush the spirit of a player again. 

 

After that day, I put the title of “Soccer Mom” aside  and reinstated the simple title of “Mom”. Still humiliated by my own behavior, I finished the rest of the season and the next as a silent spectator. 

 

It was in the silence that “Players’ Voice” was birthed. A campaign intended to give a voice to youth players that their worth beyond the game. 

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Shante Kiefer

"Soccer Mom" no more

 

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