Grantee Spotlight: West Elk Soccer Association
Developing player leadership, teamwork and self-confidence
More than 325 community youth participated in West Elk Soccer Association (WESA) programming focused on fun, skill development and sportsmanship this past year.
“Team sports are super important for kids’ development,” WESA Executive Director Emilya Ramsey said. “They build foundations of leadership, teamwork, self-confidence and healthy activity.”
WESA primarily serves children ages 8-18, though they also offer a preschool program and run an annual adult tournament.
“Soccer is a deep passion here,” Ramsey said. “Even if it’s not their kid out there, the whole community is out there cheering everybody on.”
Registration fees, fundraisers and grants make up WESA’s funding. Grants and general operating donations fund the less visible work like equipment, field rentals and coach training, Ramsey said.
“They’re not always the sexiest thing,” she said, “but without them, we couldn’t run.”
In 2025 the organization received a $30,000 MetRec Recreation Operations Grant, much of which went to addressing staff turnover by raising hourly wages and increasing training opportunities.
Keeping the sport affordable remains a priority. The organization built a financial aid fund of roughly $12,000 a year. About 10% of participants in each program apply, Ramsey said. Nearly every family that applies is funded.
Investing in staff
One of the largest hurdles WESA faces is retaining staff.
To reduce turnover among coaches juggling multiple jobs, WESA raised hourly wages. The pay increase helped attract six new coaches, and WESA now covers coaches’ cost to earn a U.S. Soccer D License.
“The folks that have stuck around are super committed,” Ramsey said. “It’s made a big difference for them.”
The staffing challenges go beyond coaches.
“Finding people to referee is really hard,” Ramsey said, because they often take the brunt of people’s emotions.
To address this, WESA has invested in education on how to respectfully communicate frustration. The organization also partnered with Gunnison Parks and Recreation and Western Colorado University to form a mentorship program that pairs newer officials with experienced referees.
Many high school players become referees, Ramsey said. Now those individuals have an older, more experienced official there with them as support and a sounding board.
“It’s been huge,” she said.
Social Emotional Learning in soccer
This year WESA brought on mental performance consultant to works with players, parents, coaches and referees.
The consultant guides students through mental blocks, self-talks and even screen time before games.
“It’s been really cool to see the skills she’s giving them,” Ramsey said.
Photos courtesy of WESA.
