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The evolution of Owen County's Parks and Rec soccer program
BY AMANDA ANDERSON MATTHEWS
Sweet Owen Contributor
As fall arrives, bringing the familiar sights of changing leaves and the start of a new school year, it also marks the beginning of soccer season in Owen County. From August through October, children from around the county gather at the Owen County Park and Fairgrounds, where their love for soccer has grown into something much more—a cornerstone of community life. The Owen County Parks and Recreation (P&R) soccer program is a shining example of what a dedicated community can accomplish, evolving from a small effort behind the Lighthouse Church into a program involving hundreds of local children.
A Legacy of Dedication
Delores Dempsey's youth soccer journey began in 1997 when her 3-year-old son expressed an interest in playing. Over time, she transitioned from being a supportive parent to a coach and certified referee. Today, she coaches a U12 team that includes her granddaughter, continuing her deep involvement with P&R. Reflecting on the program's growth, Dempsey recalled, "Originally, the first fields were out behind the Lighthouse Church and then moved to Monterey. We used to play in both the fall and spring, but now it only happens in the fall."
Despite some ups and downs, including a period of declining interest, Delores has seen a recent resurgence in participation. "For a while, soccer was really big, but it started to shrink. However, the last two seasons, the numbers have come back up," she said. With her background as a physical education teacher at Owen County Elementary, Dempsey knows the value of physical activity and the importance of letting kids explore different sports. "It's a great way for kids to be involved in any sport and get the experiences and see which ones they enjoy. I don't think kids need to specialize in a sport at a young age."
As the season begins, she is set to coach the middle school girls' soccer team, continuing her long-standing commitment.
Carrying on the Tradition
Brian and Kelsey Gognat have stepped up to carry on the tradition of youth soccer in Owen County. Driven by their own experiences growing up with the sport, they are determined to provide the same opportunities for their sons. "I grew up playing soccer in Owen County from ages 5 to 18. I also refereed for many years. Soccer was a significant part of my life," Kelsey said.
Seeing a dip in participation, they saw a chance to revive the program. "Our participant numbers are rising. More youth are getting involved and playing. This year, we managed to form a U14 team, whereas last year, we only had three players in that age group."
Their efforts have paid off, with the successful Challenger Soccer Camp being a particular highlight. Over 40 kids attended, learning from professional coaches from around the world. The camp's success ensures it will return next year. The Gognats credit much of the program's growth to the dedication of volunteer coaches. "Without a doubt, it is our coaches. We have an incredibly talented group of coaches who are passionate about soccer," Kelsey emphasized.
They encourage everyone in the community to get involved by attending games, volunteering as coaches or referees, or helping with equipment and sponsorships. "As the program grows, so do our needs, which is a positive challenge to have," Brian added.
The Early Struggles and Triumphs
Jim Gash played a key role in the early days of Owen County soccer.
"The parents decided to start a league so that people wouldn't have to drive to Frankfort to play," he recalled. The early days were tough, with challenges like finding suitable fields and enough players to form teams. "There were many problems in the beginning, like which fields to play on."
But through determination and hard work, the league began to take shape. Known as "The 127 Corridor Conference," parents were willing to drive long distances for games, which not only provided teams to play against but also helped build skills and competitiveness. "We brought up a group of kids to be refs, and they were instrumental in helping the league succeed. And many of those kids are still involved in soccer," Gash added.
For him, the most rewarding aspect is seeing former players become coaches themselves. "What warms my heart more than anything is that a lot of the kids I coached have become coaches." This legacy of giving back continues to fuel the program's success.
Cameron and Abigail: A New Generation of Players
For Cameron and Abigail Shepperd, the P&R soccer program is more than just a sport—it's a big part of their lives. Cameron, now in sixth grade, has played for six years, while Abigail, a fifth-grader, has four years under her belt. Their parents, Brian and Christine, who both played youth soccer and continue playing in adult leagues, chose P&R soccer to expose their kids to team activities and exercise.
"The atmosphere for soccer is a lot more relaxed in comparison to some of the other programs, which makes it feel like a break, even though the kids are still moving," Christine explained.
Abigail appreciates the supportive environment created by the coaches. "I love the coaches I've been paired with. They are super nice and extremely helpful, making it a joy to show up," she said.
For Cameron, the emphasis on teamwork and leadership is what stands out. "The push for the team to work together helps build our leadership skills."
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