A Discerning Coach: An Interview with Jim Breslin— Volunteer Spotlight

KENSINGTON, Pa. — For over a year, Jim Breslin has served as the men’s and indoor co-ed coach at Kensington Soccer Club. Prior to finding KSC, Jim coached for several other clubs and he shares why he chooses to volunteer his time with us, as well as how it stands out from the rest. 

“There is something for everyone to do,” Breslin said. “It’s more than just a soccer club, it’s a community. When I was coaching at other clubs, there were a lot of players that couldn’t afford to pay for the level that they were playing at. It’s very expensive but KSC has a model where the players pay what they can. KSC doesn’t turn anyone away.”

Breslin sees a direct link between member success and KSC’s mission “to make soccer and personal development available to everyone”.  

“The core group of guys that have been training with us are now getting new opportunities,” he said. “They’ve come up the ranks and are playing well above the level they were playing at a year ago. Being at Kensington allowed them to do that.”

Solid coaching is essential for players to make gains both on and off the field. In addition to teaching the “ins and outs” of the game, Jim teaches the value of hard work. 

“I teach team members that hard work pays off, and that practice is important for anything in life, anything that you set your mind to,” he said. 

Most notably, Jim led the effort for the men's team to compete for the first time as semi-professionals.  As new members of the Eastern Premier Soccer League (EPSL), the team completed their inaugural season this past November and finished second in the league.

“When we entered the EPSL, [longtime member] Gian Maldonado scored the first goal of our league in the Delaware River Conference,” he said. “He grew up playing with KSC and trains with us every day. That moment was very memorable and special.”

Outside the field, Breslin is a computer teacher at Penrose Elementary and he notes a common thread between his career and volunteer work.

“I get to provide students with opportunities they are not normally given,” he said. “It’s really fulfilling for me to help people who are generally underserved.”