NOT LONG AFTER BEINGnamed president of the Horsham (
Coaches selection meetings. Fundraising meetings. Parks and recreation meetings. Volunteer meetings.
Guess what? He couldn’t be happier.
“I’ve never been to so many meetings,” joked Barnes, who earned the position last month. “As president, I have to be more involved with all aspects of the organization. It was a new experience for me. I feel like I know it a whole lot better now. It’s been a whole lot of fun. Keeping track of everything on a daily basis is tough, but I’m a pretty organized person. My wife is very organized and she’s a team Mom. She helps me out a lot.”
Barnes will take over a successful organization that features 368 kids in football and cheerleading. There are 290 kids between the ages of 5-15 playing football on 13 different teams as well as 78 cheerleaders on five different squads. Just as numerous coaches and administrators in thousands of communities across the country do, Barnes gives back to the sport of football as much as he possibly can. And he does it solely for the kids who play the great sport.
“It’s a large group of kids to watch out for,” Barnes said. “For me, it’s all about the kids. I also coach and give everything I have to the kids. I tell my kids all the time that the main objective is to learn on and off the field. The organization has grown and has gotten bigger over the years and the kids have benefited from it. I always tell them to learn in school and get their schoolwork done so they can enjoy all the good things this program can offer them.”
Outside of football, the kids have been treated to guest speakers such as Hall of Fame football writer Ray Didinger, who has written a number of books and currently works for NFL Films.
“When I talk to my kids in Pop Warner, it’s really not about football,” Barnes said. “I stress school. I’ll have meetings with parents and tell them school is the most important thing. The guest speakers will stress it, too. If your classes don’t go well, you won’t play football. I tell them that. And if they need me for any reason, I make myself available to them 24 hours a day.
“That goes for the kids, parents and board members. I’m available all hours of the day for them. If I can help them, I will.”
When it comes time to play football and cheer, the kids have an outstanding facility.
“I think we have the nicest complex in
“To be a big part of it has been a lot of fun. I’m looking forward to being president and doing everything I can to make it a great 2008 season for the kids.”
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Story courtesy of Red Line Editorial, Inc.