Reflecting on Impact: An Interview with Pat Hardy — Volunteer Spotlight

If it’s one face Kensington Soccer Club families recognize and gravitate towards, it’s that of Pat Hardy, who makes sure to greet everyone enthusiastically with a wide smile across her face. She is a shining example of the wonderful people who’ve helped bring our organization together and kept it strong since the very beginning: volunteers.

As her last name suggests, she is the mother of Executive Director and KSC Founder Jim Hardy and she was a part of the initial group of people who organized twelve years ago to turn KSC from an idea to a Kensington non-profit powerhouse.

“It’s been exciting and rewarding to see so many ways that Kensington Soccer Club has expanded new opportunities and choices for children in this community,” she said.

More than anything, Hardy states that she’s been enriched by being a part of Kensington Soccer Club and getting to know numerous people and families from the community throughout the years.

“I have gotten to know people in community organizations like Norris Square Community Alliance and Centro Nuevo Creación, really dedicated teachers in schools we’ve worked in, and amazing recreation leaders through [Philadelphia Parks & Recreation],” Hardy said. “All of them inspire me because they are people who are working in Kensington to make a change to this community and make safe spaces and opportunities for children to play.”

With the exception of coaching, she’s done just about everything else one can do in the organization: participate in community outreach, supervise and improve our education programs, purchase uniforms and equipment, lead transportation efforts, and contact community organizations for support and funding. Yet year after year, Hardy has chosen to serve as a full-time volunteer, attributing her decision to her dedication to the organization, a pension worked out by her teacher’s union that has allowed her to volunteer full-time after her retirement in 2013, and just wanting to spend time with her family.

As a result of her enthusiasm and dedication, she’s no doubt helped inspire so many others within KSC, helping community members see how volunteer work in the area can go a long way to improving the neighborhood. Hardy also believes that many people in the area repeatedly choose to volunteer because they see so many others volunteering around them, as well as seeing coaches who are hopping from one job to another yet still making time to come coach, and being there as mentors for the kids.

“I think all of that inspires the whole community of families,” she said. “Almost all of them say ‘What can I do to help?’ , ‘How can I be a part of this?’, and ‘Whatever you need, I’m here for you.’ The strength and resilience of people living in Kensington is powerful and I feel like there is so many good efforts from families and youth determined to make it a better place.”

More About Pat

Hardy currently works as a full-time volunteer and administrative coordinator for Kensington Soccer Club. She loves to cook and all who know Hardy know she loves to read. She’s even a member of two book clubs with her teacher friends!