Those were Steve Ralphs parting words.
His tenure as Toronto Soccer Association (TSA) president has come to an end.
The Bloor West Village resident has been long associated with the sport of soccer. He can take credit for, along with fellow parents Bill Jermyn and Robert Montgomery, for establishing the Swansea Soccer Association in 1992.
Ralphs said he simply did it because there was a need.
"We all had boys," said Ralphs, whose eldest son was seven at the time.
The soccer club grew from 35 kids in its first year to the current number in three years, which averages around 600.
"We've been full for the past decade," he said. "That prompted me, as the president of the Toronto Soccer Association, to make facilities my priority."
At the helm of the TSA since 2005, he has overseen the organization through a pivotal time. Most notably, the BMO field was built, the Toronto FC was launched and the Under-20 World Cup took place in the city. The TSA had a direct hand in resurfacing the Lamport Stadium field as well, said Ralphs, which will help schools and clubs in the next soccer season.
As he reflects on the past two years at the TSA, Ralphs said volunteers have been key and are still crucial to the organization's success.
"The city recognizes the value of volunteerism. Without it, it could not provide the services we have," said Ralphs.
Just as important is the state of playing fields.
"I have been putting pressure on the city," he said. "It has to have a sustainable investment plan for natural and artificial fields across the city."
Ralphs stepped down as TSA president at the end of November. Charles Wyatt, who is president of the North Toronto Soccer Club, will take the reins starting next season.
"Charles brings a wealth of experience and background to the position of president of one of the largest youth clubs in the city along with a new board that now fully engages community based youth clubs," Ralphs said.
Although, he enjoyed his two year term immensely, Ralphs said he decided not to seek re-election because of family and business commitments.
"I was particularly heartened to work with Councillor (Joe) Mihevc and Sheila Penny of the (Toronto District School Board) increasing the inventory of natural fields and the plan for artificial fields across the city," he said.
Player registrations at the TSA rose this year signaling an increased demand on city and TDSB facilities. One of the TSA board's achievements this past season was to make the organization a year-round operation with the launch of an indoor league at BMO Field's bubble.
Ralphs will continue his involvement in local sports. He'll coach hockey at George Bell Arena and rugby at Humberside Collegiate.
He does have one "Christmas wish."
"My wish would be that Swansea Soccer and West End United join forces," he said.