Helena Ruken, President
Why did you join the board?
I joined the board of North Toronto Soccer to meaningfully contribute to the growth of the organization and to bring my passion for community outreach and diversity, equity, and inclusion to North Toronto Soccer.
Joined Board in: 2017
What professional or other experience do you bring to the board?
My background in particle physics taught me excellent problem-solving skills; through my involvement with peer-support groups I developed strong communication and leadership skills.
How many years have you been on the board? At the club?
I was elected to the North Toronto Soccer Board of Directors in November 2017 and President and Chair of the Board in November 2020. My families first contact with North Toronto Soccer was in 2007 when my daughter joined the recreational soccer program.
What other volunteer roles have you held at NT or another youth soccer/sport team? (Team Manager, Social Manager, parent, etc.)
I have enjoyed being a team manager for my children’s competitive teams from Grassroots to Talented Pathway, organizing team travel and social events that the experience for players and their families at the club.
As Chair of the Recreational Soccer Committee, I initiated and implemented the Soccer in Schools program, an outreach program where our qualified and licensed coaches run soccer programs in public elementary schools during school hours to enhance physical education classes.
My role as Secretary of the Toronto Soccer Association enables me to represent the best interests of all Toronto soccer clubs and oversee our district association.
What impact have you had as a volunteer at North Toronto Soccer?
As President, I planned and oversaw the recent leadership transition together with Val, Shamez, and the other Directors. We set the club up for success after the retirement of former Executive Director Doug Blair; with Billy Wilson taking over the top job, the club is well positioned to thrive and grow in the years ahead.
Through the covid years, North Toronto Soccer leadership ensured that we keep staff employed, our players engaged, and were able to start up within days whenever it was permitted by public health regulations. We set fair and equitable policies around refunds and credits for programs that were cut short or cancelled, and developed vaccination policies to keep players and staff safe.
Why is a board important in a youth soccer club?
The Board of Directors of North Toronto Soccer is exceptional and a role model for good governance in youth sports. Under Doug Blair’s leadership, the club recruited competent and engaged volunteers to serve as Directors who bring their experience and expertise to set the strategic direction of North Toronto Soccer.