Coach or play sports today!

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- A military child, who just arrived at yet another school with new sports teams and new friends, watches as other kids interact with childhood friends on the fields. They wonder if they will ever be able to kick up some grass with kids who are in the same shoes.

The Shaw Youth Sports program offers league sports for soccer, basketball, baseball and cheerleading. It also sponsors volunteers to become certified coaches.

“Our goal is to mentor youth and provide opportunities to develop their cognitive, social, emotional and physical abilities to experience achievement, leadership, enjoyment, friendship, and recognition,” said Deborah Macqueen, 20th Force Support Squadron director of youth programs.

The program is designed to provide opportunities for sports, fitness, health and nutrition, outdoor recreation and motor skills development. It also aims to promote developmental, instructional and skill enhancement for ages 4-17.

“I’ve been coaching my kids since they started sports, mainly soccer and baseball,” said Col. Ryan Inman, 20th Fighter Wing vice commander and Shaw Youth Sports Program baseball and soccer coach. “I’ve played sports my entire life and at the college level. When I came on active duty, I began coaching as a way to pass knowledge on to the next generation.”

Inman continued to say coaching is all about his kids. Military kids move so much they are unable to develop a hometown system of sports where they can learn from the same coaches for year. The on-base system allows them to connect with kids in similar situations.

Registration for basketball and cheerleading is in October for a December season start. Baseball registration is in February for a March season start, and soccer registration is in July for an August season start.

Those interested in coaching or registering a child in a sport, can call Jeremy Taylor, 20th FSS sports director, at 803-895-1779.