We, the undersigned parents, community members, and concerned citizens, strongly urge the Kent Parks Sports Program to reverse its decision barring Coach Chris Brian from coaching. Coach Chris has been an integral part of our community, dedicating years of service to mentoring, encouraging, and supporting our children through sports. His removal is a disservice to the families of Kent and, most importantly, to the kids who rely on his leadership.

A Coach Who Makes a Difference

Coach Chris Brian has dedicated over 10 years to coaching soccer, basketball, and volleyball in Kent, impacting the lives of countless young athletes through the 10-15 teams he coaches each year. His passion for sports is surpassed by his commitment to the hundreds of kids, kindergarten through highschool, that he has coached. More than just a coach, he has been a mentor, a role model, and a source of unwavering support for players of all backgrounds. He provides not only coaching but also arranged equipment donations and exchanges—cleats, shin guards, goalie gloves, and balls—not just to his own team but to any family in need.

His leadership creates an environment of support, acceptance, and encouragement, giving kids a safe space to learn, grow, and develop important life skills. He instills confidence, discipline, and teamwork, shaping young athletes into not only better players but better people.

An Unjust Decision
A few weeks ago, Coach Chris was informed that he was no longer allowed to coach in the Kent Parks sports programs. This decision was not the result of any major incident but rather multiple minor and questionable reasons cited by the program’s staff. While Coach Chris has, at times, challenged decisions within the sports department, it has always been with the best interest of the kids in mind.

The Kent Parks Department exists to serve the families of our city—not to cater to the comfort of the sports staff. Personal differences between Coach Chris and the organization’s administrators should not result in the removal of a coach who has consistently demonstrated respect toward referees, fellow coaches, field staff, and all players.

A Community Loss
Banning Coach Chris from coaching will have a wide-reaching and negative impact on Kent’s kids, families, and the sports program as a whole. Losing him means:

Kids losing a trusted mentor and coach who has provided them with stability and encouragement.
Families losing a dedicated leader who has worked tirelessly to make youth sports accessible and inclusive.
The community losing a valuable asset who actively engages young athletes and fosters a love for sports.
Coach Chris does not want to take his service elsewhere—this is his home, his community, and his passion. The relationships he has built with Kent’s kids and families are irreplaceable.

We Call for Immediate Action
We urge the Kent Parks Department to reconsider and reinstate Coach Chris Brian. This decision should be based on what is best for the children of Kent, not on internal politics. Removing a coach who has given so much to this community is not in the best interest of our families, our kids, or the future of Kent’s youth sports.

Sign this petition to show your support for Coach Chris Brian and demand that he be allowed to continue coaching in Kent!