Last spring I joined the board of the Townlake Y. Along with being a long-time member, I spent many years as a Y volunteer coaching my kids' youth sports teams. 

By the time my kids were aging out of the program, I'd coached 12 seasons of soccer! And this is why I support the Y. 

The teams I coached represented a diverse cross-section of Austin. Their parents were high tech executives; UT graduate students; construction workers; small business owners; and first generation Americans. It was the whole range of ethnic and socio-economic backgroungs coming together on the soccer field. 

Because of the affordable, accessible sports programs at the Y, these wanabe Neymars and Messis, were learning about dribbling, passing and shooting, while also getting a crash course in fair play, resiliency, and all the great things we learn when we become a PART OF A TEAM.  

These were priceless life skills that the Y made available for as little as $35 for an entire season (or less for those who needed financial assistance). 

Supporting the Y means you're supporting your community. Your support allows the YMCA to provide programs - like youth sports and others -  that our communities deserve and, most importantly, reach those who need us most.

Please join me in supporting the 2022 Annual Giving Campaign so we can continue to create a powerful impact for all our communities. 

Together we can do so much more. Take action today.

Ted Barnhill

Member, Townlake Y Board