The Community Center of La Cañada Flintridge has appointed Andy Chidester as its new sports coordinator.
This position was recently made possible through a grant from the city of La Cañada Flintridge.
With more than 20 years of experience, Chidester is a well-known figure in the La Cañada community. In this new role, he aims to expand the center’s youth sports program, introduce a teen coaching apprenticeship program, and develop sports leagues for special needs children, among other initiatives.
Chidester recently shared his goals for CCLCF’s sports program.
IMMEDIATE GOALS
Through Cornerstone, a volunteer program, Chidester aims to empower local high schoolers to mentor younger athletes.
“These teens, many of whom are my former students, have the potential to become future leaders,” Chidester said. “My vision is for the Community Center to be a hub where young athletes can grow — from their initial experience learning the fundamentals of sports to eventually coaching and passing that knowledge on to the next generation.”
FUTURE PROGRAMS
Chidester also aims to diversify CCLCF’s offerings. Co-ed adult kickball and fitness classes for seniors are among the possibilities, as well as establishing a program for special needs kids.
EXPANDING OPPORTUNITIES WITH LOCAL LEAGUES
The vision extends to cross-promotion and partnerships with local leagues.
“There are untapped opportunities here to collaborate on clinics and programs that would be mutually beneficial,” Chidester said. “Local leagues like AYSO and LCBSA work incredibly hard for our young athletes, and I see a chance for us to amplify each other’s impact.”
For more information, visit cclcf.org or call (818) 790-4353.
First published in the October 12 print issue of the Outlook Valley Sun.
