After only spending three years in the community, Dave Ortmann earned the trust of those in the Pearl River Soccer Club and was elected the organization’s new president.
The former Texas resident has a significant amount of experience from running soccer organizations for years in the Lone Star state.
Now, he’ll look to bring the PRSC to the forefront of recreational soccer by creating a competitive environment athletes want to be a part of.
“I moved over here three years ago and just wanted to referee it, but they said, ‘We need somebody. We know you have experience.’ I’ll help out again for the love of the game and the enjoyment of the kids,” Ortmann said.
The organization’s spring season had to be cancelled because of COVID-19, so Ortmann and the board will have to figure out the next steps for the PRSC.
Ortmann said he’ll have to get in contact with the Mississippi Soccer Association so they know who he is, and so he can get some guidance on the best route forward for the club.
There are nearly 200 players that are part of the PRSC and Ortmann is hoping he can provide them with the best playing opportunities possible.
His own children are grown and can longer take part, so the former coach and teacher will focus on bettering the organization for future players.
“My own kids have moved on. My thing here is I won’t have any kids involved, so it’ll be (about helping) the kids out and helping the community,” Ortmann said.
It’s important for an organization like the PRSC to exist because not only does it allow children the opportunity to play soccer and possibly fall in love with it, growing the sport in Mississippi, but it also allows for competition against nearby organizations.
Ortmann said there are several large soccer associations in surrounding counties that could prove to be viable partners for the PRSC when it comes to scheduling games.
However, if the organization didn’t exist and the teams weren’t organized, then local players might not have the chance to face teams from Slidell, Hattiesburg and other areas.
“This has become (the case in) Poplarville lately, but in America if everyone around you is organizing you have to organize to get kids involved. It’s easier to get games,” Ortmann said.