"I have known Mr Rod Bourke since I started school in the fall of 1995.  I got to know him through AYSO soccer in 1999.  I was ten years old and he was a tough coach.  He taught us stamina, discipline and how to have a good time playing soccer.  He taught me how to have fun even if we lost.  He is an inspiring coach and he led us to several championships.  After I had to move up in the league, he invited me to help coach his younger girls team.  I was overwhelmed and proud to accept his offer.  I enjoy helping him and hope I can continue as time permits.  In the 8th grade I made the high school team.  I give him much credit because he was the coach that really pushed me to do my best in soccer.

He always had faith in me, which made me have faith in myself.  He not only inspired me to start coaching, but to start reffing as well.  My mom and I took referee classes, and by the time I was 12, I was a junior referee.  Every Saturday you can be Mr Bourke is reffing and coaching, more hours than I can imagine.  He loves soccer and loves being with kids.  He's a teacher of the game, but he also teaches how to have fun.  I'm not sure how old he is, but he still enjoys playing soccer himself.  A couple of years ago, he had heart surgery, ,and I was proud to help his team during his recovery.  After a short time, he was back out there coaching and reffing.  He is truly an inspiration to anyone who comes in contact with him.  He spends countless hours for AYSO and never asks for anything in return.  All he wants is for the kids to have fun learning and playing soccer." - AYSO Region 297, player, coach, referee

I have known Rod Bourke for over 20 years.  He is, without a doubt, the ideal example of a most dedicated individual who willingly gets down into the trenches to work with the volunteers and the children.  He is always there when you need him and doesn't hesitate to go the extra mile for the children.  He has excelled in coaching, refereeing, and administration in AYSO.

Rod was one of the founders of Region 297 in Montgomery, in 1981.  His leadership qualities have helped sustain Region 297 and the AYSO program and image in the greater Montgomery area.

Since 1981 he has been an active coach and referee, and has performed in responsible positions on the regional board.

He was instrumental in establishing the girls soccer program in the region and has extended his soccer experience by coaching a high school girls soccer program here.

Rod was featured in the AYSO Soccer Now magazine in spring 1991 in an article titled 'Referee Puppeteer is a Kid Pleaser'.

Rod excels on the field, as well as the classroom; he frequently conducts referee, coach, and Safe Haven clinics within the region.

Recently, Rod accepted additional responsibilities as the Area Referee Administrator and the Director of Referee Assessment.  Rod travels throughout Area 5H conducting referee and coaches clinics.  He also assists with Safe Have instruction.  He can do it all.

He is still on the Section 5 staff and holds the job of the Section Treasurer." - AYSO Area 5H Director

Mr Bourke introduced my son and me to AYSO and it's true meaning.  AYSO is much more than simply soccer.  He's shown us all that AYSO not only builds soccer players, it also builds character, sportsmanship, and kindness for others.  His tireless dedication to our children and his strong devotion to the principles and goals of AYSO have produced hundreds of children who love and adore Mr Bourke." - Coach and Board Member, AYSO Region 297

 

"Rod IS AYSO Region 297.  He has been an active participant in the region since it's beginning in 1981.  He is my mentor, a great coach, a tireless referee and a true inspriation to all who know him.  He is respected by both adults and children." - Regional Commissioner, AYSO Region 297