Vrej Zakaryan: New chairman of the district youth committee in Soest!

Vrej Zakaryan: New chairman of the district youth committee in Soest!

The future of youth football in the FLVW Soest district looks promising. Vrej Zakaryan, who has taken over the management of the district youth committee (KJA) since March 2025, is bringing a breath of fresh air to youth work. The 51-year-old, who lives in Hamm-Wambeln and is a father of three, succeeds Erich Kreyenbrink, who successfully held the office for many years. Zakaryan's first months in the new office were characterized by positive feedback and an intact team, which made his induction noticeably easier, as [soester-anzeiger.de](https://www.soester-anzeiger.de](https://www.soester-anzeiger.de/sport/lokalsport/kreisjugend- committee-vrej-zakaryan-vom-urgestein-zum- Chairman-93818167.html) reports.

“Fun and fair play are my top priorities,” emphasizes Zakaryan and plans to distribute the KJA tasks among the team in order to involve the clubs more closely in the planning. An important event has already been decided: the relay day for youth football in the Soest district will take place on August 12th, 2025, followed by further relay days for different age groups between August 27th and 29th, 2025.

Setting the course for the future

At the recent Association Youth Day of the Westphalia Football and Athletics Association (FLVW), Harald Ollech was re-elected for his fourth term as chairman of the Association Youth Committee (VJA). The VJA plans to break new ground in youth football in order to meet the demands of modern times. This includes flexible match days and kick-off times as well as the introduction of qualifying rounds in all age groups at district level. The motto of the coming legislative period is: "Be brave! Seize opportunities! Shape the future!" lippe-kick.de

This new approach could have a positive impact on youth work in Soest, which, despite high participation among G, F and E juniors, is showing a declining trend in the older age groups. Zakaryan is optimistic that the increased involvement of the clubs and the organization of separate relay days for each age group can increase exchange and motivation.

Support for trainers

Another aspect that can strengthen support for youth work is funding opportunities for trainers. The Badischer Sportbund Freiburg, for example, has announced grants of up to 500 euros for licensed trainers in clubs. This applies regardless of the type of trainer license - whether C or B. Such measures could help to improve the qualifications of trainers and bring more people into youth work. In addition, part-time trainers in non-profit sports clubs can earn up to 2,400 euros annually without having to pay taxes or social security contributions, as can be found on sbfv.de.

With a clear focus on teamwork, fun and comprehensive support for coaches, youth football work in the Soest district is entering a new era. Zakaryan seems to have a good knack for setting the course for a prosperous future.