After ten years of coaching, organizing, and championing community soccer in Whyte Ridge, Yevhen Viznytsya is officially hanging up his whistle. From his early days as an assistant coach to leading the entire Mini Soccer program, he’s played a big role in shaping a program that’s grown stronger every year.
Read on to find out what kept him coming back, how the program has evolved, and why Whyte Ridge is such a great place to give back.
What inspired you to start volunteering at the community centre?
Y: For me, volunteering is all about giving back to the communities that have shaped me—my family, my current neighborhood, and the place I grew up. When my family moved to Whyte Ridge, there was an immediate need and opportunity to contribute. I started as an assistant coach, which was a great way to support the kids and get involved in the community.
From there, my passion for the program grew. I became a coach, then a youth convenor, and for the past four years, I’ve had the privilege of being responsible for the mini soccer program. Each step allowed me to see the incredible impact our program has on young lives—not just in terms of skills, but also in building confidence, teamwork, and a sense of belonging.
If you’re looking for a way to make a difference, I truly recommend volunteering with our program. It’s a rewarding experience that helps our community thrive.
Do you remember your very first season? What stands out about it?
Y: Yes, I absolutely remember my very first season as an assistant coach. Every time I stepped into a new role—from assistant coach to mini soccer director—it presented its own interesting challenges. But what truly made it manageable and enjoyable was the incredible support system we have in our community. We have so many dedicated and kind people who volunteer their time, and their readiness to help makes every season smoother. It quickly became clear that this is a place where you’re not just volunteering—you’re joining a supportive team.
How has the program or community changed over the years?
Y: The Mini Soccer program at Whyte Ridge has changed a lot during my time here. When I first started, we were already a strong community, but over the years, we’ve really improved quite a bit.
We’ve developed more organized practices and gained more resources to support our amazing volunteers. It’s a real reflection of our community’s resilience that we successfully rebuilt our program after the pandemic—largely thanks to the detailed guidance from Rachael Fecyk-Lamb, a former Mini Soccer Director.
This collective effort also helped us become a Quality Soccer Provider. We’ve been able to add new initiatives like our fall soccer camp, and we’re even planning for a potential indoor mini soccer program to offer year-round opportunities. All of these advancements are built upon the dedicated work of countless volunteers over many years. This program is constantly evolving and will only get better with each passing year, offering even more rewarding experiences for those who choose to get involved.
What do you think kept you coming back, year after year?
Y: What truly keeps me coming back, season after season, are the people in our community. It’s seeing the familiar faces, the dedicated parents, and especially the coaches who generously give their time.
These coaches are often coming straight from their own busy workdays and other commitments, yet they show up ready to make practices engaging and keep the kids active. Their commitment is contagious and inspiring. Seeing their dedication—and knowing the positive impact we’re all having together—absolutely gives me the push to return every season. It’s a great community to be a part of.
Any funny, heartwarming, or unexpected moments from the field that you’ll never forget?
Y: It’s always incredibly special to see so many people from our community come together on the field. This past season, we combined two age groups on the same field, and it was a truly memorable experience. It really highlighted how many dedicated volunteers, engaged parents, and enthusiastic kids are involved in our community activities. Moments like those—where you see everyone participating and the lively atmosphere of everyone together—are truly special and something I’ll never forget.
What do you hope the people you’ve been working with as volunteers will remember about you?
Y: I truly hope the people I’ve volunteered with will remember me as someone who always supported the coaches as part of our team, standing by their side through everything. Beyond that, I hope to be remembered as someone who really wanted to make community soccer as available, safe, and friendly as possible for as many kids as we could reach. My goal was always to ensure every child had a positive and welcoming experience.
Have any of your former co-volunteers gone on to do something cool with soccer (or in life!)?
Y: It’s really inspiring to see what our former co-volunteers have done. Many have gone on to help with other community programs.
Some have even become our club presidents, leading local sports. Others are now involved with soccer programs at both the city and provincial levels. And beyond soccer, many of our coaches are also well known in their own jobs, showing the wide range of talent we have.
What’s something people might not realize about being a volunteer?
Y: One thing people might not realize about being a volunteer is just how much you gain personally. Many come in thinking it’s all about giving your time and effort—which it is—but they often don’t anticipate the unexpected personal growth, and even how it can help with things like anxiety and stress.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about coaching or volunteering for the first time?
Y: My main piece of advice to anyone thinking about coaching or volunteering for the first time is this: don’t be afraid to step in! You might think you need a lot of soccer knowledge, especially at the mini level, but that’s simply not true.
The most important thing is a willingness to be there for the kids. There will be so much support from the community, from experienced volunteers, and from the program itself. You’ll quickly find that a friendly attitude and a desire to help are all you really need to make a big difference.
What’s next for you now that you’re stepping away from community soccer?
Y: I’ve found that I don’t usually go looking for volunteering opportunities—they tend to find me! There are so many ways to contribute right here in Winnipeg, and I’m always open to seeing where the next opportunity takes me.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give a shoutout to from your time as coach?
Y: I’d love to give a special shoutout to Pablo Javier Szajt, our former soccer director. His incredible dedication to developing a better soccer program in our community was truly what got me involved with the team of Whyte Ridge soccer volunteers. I’m very grateful for his vision and for bringing me into this great experience.