Clarence Moore has coached softball and tennis in the Selma Parks and Recreation League for 40 years.

Moore’s 9-10-year-old softball team repeated as city league champions. It’s one of 38 championships won with Moore as coach. His softball team is sponsored by Neely Charter Communications.

The 67-year-old Moore coaches both youth league and adult league. Moore said it’s his way of giving back to the community. Moore worked 27 years at International Paper until he retired four years ago.

“I feel good about helping people, I wouldn’t be here if not for them,” Moore said. “I love helping and motivating young people. I love being a mentor.”

Cerya Blake and Seira Perkins are two of Moore’s latest youth standouts. Blake will be a junior volleyball and track performer at Southern Miss. Perkins will be an eighth-grade wide receiver/defensive back at R.B. Hudson School.

Blake and Perkins both said they’ve enjoyed being coached by Moore, who has five children and 11 grandchildren.

“Coach Moore helps me on how to serve in volleyball,” Blake said.

Perkins said Moore’s coaching methods translates to other sports.

“Coach Moore taught us how to play on the court and his teaching translates to the games,” Perkins said.