Orange County youth coaches Jim Ryan and Paul Albertini have guided many local athletes to success.
Albertini is the founder and coach for Advantage Flag Football League in Anaheim and Ryan is a local girls soccer coach and former youth football and baseball coach.
While Albertini and Ryan coach children in different sports, they both believe strongly that, in addition to skills training and conditioning, embracing character, integrity and community service are all of equal importance in becoming a successful athlete.
Sharing that coaching philosophy, Albertini and Ryan came together this year, with their athletes, to create a special opportunity to give back to a local charity.
Eight of Ryan’s soccer athletes participated in a nine-week football league hosted by Advantage Flag Football League and coordinated a fundraiser to support the Jessie Rees Foundation. The charity, named after my daughter, supports children fighting cancer.
Collectively, the athletes raised close to $6,000 for the foundation.
“When Jim approached me about putting together a service project for the athletes and bringing in a girls team to the tournament, I thought it was a fantastic idea,” said Albertini, who is also a varsity receivers coach at Whittier Christian High School. “That’s what our league is all about, giving back to our youth through sports.”
Albertini helped create custom Team NEGU jerseys for the girls, and Ryan coached the girls on football fundamentals. Team “Never, Ever Give Up” was ready for action.
When the girls were not on the field, they were in the stands, talking to supporters about the Jessie Rees Foundation, and sharing ways to get involved and to help out. The girls baked and sold cupcakes to fans as a way of raising funds for their project.
Brooke Ryan, 13, one of Jim Ryan’s athletes, said the opportunity to help others by supporting the Jessie Rees Foundation made the experience rewarding.
“I really liked that I was able to help people and bring smiles to kids who need it,” she said.
Ryan and Albertini plan to continue to coach their athletes with lessons of integrity and character on and off the field and to encourage them to make a difference in their communities.
“I tell all of my coaches and players, if you want to inspire others, be inspirational,” Albertini said.
Brooke Ryan and her teammates are equally motivated to continue their work of community service and to inspire other young athletes to do the same.
“I think it’s important for athletes to realize that they can help others and have fun while they are doing it,” she said.
