Sun, Jul 05, 2009
 Paul Falinski 
Sierra Tucson Eating Disorders Program Coordinator Administrative & Professional Tucson Urban League CEO/President Administrative & Professional Jorgensen Brooks Group Counselor Trades/Construction RANCHO RESORT MAINTANANCE POSITION Mechanical Komatsu Equipment Co Resident Field Mechanic Health Care Dependable Health Services Physical Therapists Sales and Marketing Everready Glass Sales Reps AccentGifts of Tucson
He helps kids learn life lessons from soccerTucson, Arizona | Published: 12.07.2008
Each day in December, we are writing about a Gift of Tucson. These are people who quietly make our town what it is — volunteers, parents, neighbors, people who commit random acts of kindnesses. Go to go.azstarnet.com/ giftsoftucson to read about other gifts of Tucson.
Today's gift: Paul Falinski, 57.
Nominated by: His wife, Darlene.
Why he's special: "Paul is the embodiment of volunteerism," said Darlene Falinski.
"He loves soccer. He never played as a kid; he was never a jock. But there are so many lessons learned through soccer. He's touched a lot of kids, and that makes him really special."
Paul Falinski got involved with the game as a coach 20 years ago, when his children began to play. Then he refereed. And taught. And coached again. These days, he does just about anything soccer-related that the American Youth Soccer Organization asks of him.
"I believe in the philosophy of AYSO," said Paul, who was readying to referee a high school game when he spoke with us by phone.
"That is, everybody plays. And we believe in balancing teams. Nobody likes to see a 10-0 game. We don't humiliate the other teams."
Falinski's voice becomes animated when he talks about soccer and what it can do for kids.
"It teaches life lessons, values," he said. "It teaches how to win graciously and how to lose graciously."
Though his kids are now grown (they, too, are volunteers with AYSO), he still remains dedicated to the organization.
"I love the game, and I love giving back to the kids," he said. "They are our future."
— Kathleen Allen
Look on these pages daily this month — we'll have a gift for every day of December
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