Couple’s dedication recognized
Don and Jan Bjorn, otherwise known as the “soccer dynamic duo,” were recently selected as the 2004-05 Idaho Youth Soccer Parents of the Year for their “incredible leadership and inspiration to others.”
In the past the award had been given to a “Parent of the Year,” but was changed to “Parents of the Year,” to reflect the couple’s dedication and hours of volunteerism.
“We all know how difficult it is today to get people to step up and volunteer,” says Rick Mullins, director of the Coeur d’Alene Sting Soccer Club, in his nomination letter. “The Bjorns are always the first to volunteer, the first to organize and the first to give.”
Don is a professional-technical counselor at North Idaho College and Jan is an office manager at a local financial planning company. Neither played soccer when they were younger, but were involved in sports. Don played baseball, basketball and tennis. Jan played volleyball and softball.
Their children, 14-year-old Sarah and 18-year-old Will, have played soccer since they were 6 years old. They both play for the Sting club, which has developmental teams that build individual player techniques and skills, and competitive teams that travel and attend tournaments.
The club is preparing to host the 2005 Idaho Youth Soccer Association State Cup, which will be held in Coeur d’Alene May 28-30.
“Don makes sure the teams have everything they need,” Mullins says. “For instance when the weather is hot, he makes sure the coaches and players have plenty of ice and fluids. ”
Don coaches indoor games when no other parent steps up to take on the duties, lines fields and helps with field set-up and take-down. He gives scouting reports and checks tournament boards to keep the coaches informed and updated.
During her time with the club, Jan has served on the Sting board of directors, and is managing two teams this year. Managers are the team’s “unsung heroes” as they organize and set up tournament travel arrangements and accommodations. They also make sure all the necessary paperwork is completed for various tournaments and the state cup, and that the fees are paid. A crucial part of the job is to communicate all details to the players’ parents.
“Together the Bjorns always make sure every kid has a ride to practice and games,” Mullins says. “And they work very hard to make the coaches’ job easier – taking care of details so the coaches have more time to work with the kids on their skills.”
Mullins thinks it is remarkable that the Bjorns “never miss a game” even though it often means that Jan is watching one child play at one location and Don is watching the other play at a different location.
The Bjorns feel that their children have benefited greatly from participating in sports.
“Sports have kept them physically active, and have taught them teamwork skills and discipline,” Jan says. “We teach them that it doesn’t matter if you win or lose, but that it is important to put forth your best effort.”
“Webster’s defines a parent as a person who brings up and cares for another – this truly defines Don and Jan. Caring and giving is what they are all about,” says Mullins. “Although I don’t have children, I hope that I can be a fraction of the parents that they are.”