A popular stereotype of a youth sports coach is a father living out a second childhood through his children.

Amy Berean and Stephanie Walsh, two well-regarded coaches in the Boca Raton Youth Roller Hockey League, don't fit this stereotype at all.

Berean and Walsh, a coach and assistant coach, respectively, in the 6- to 8-year-old division, never have had any children in the league; never played the game as youngsters and are ... well ... women.

Berean and Walsh both say that parents might be surprised initially that there are two female coaches, but they come to respect their coaching style and philosophy.

"The parents totally support us," said Berean, a teacher at Boca Raton Middle School. "They like our emphasis. Kids don't get benched because they're not strong skaters. We work on safety, sportsmanship and having fun."

"We've always had a warm welcome here," said Walsh, who is self-employed. "At this age group, it's not about winning. We teach the skills they need to move on."

Parents of players expressed their appreciation for Berean and Walsh.

"I didn't know how I would respond to them at first," said Sal Romano, father of 8-year-old Kyle and an assistant coach with Berean and Walsh for three seasons. "The women are much more nurturing, but their hockey knowledge is also good. It's been a very positive experience."

"I don't mind that there are two women coaches," said Katy Luciano, mother of 7-year-old Charlie. "They are positive. They are nice. They are all about passing. At 7, that's all the kids need." Berean, 31, who grew up in Mason, Mich., started coaching first. Ten years ago, she took up roller hockey after a friend's encouragement. The next year she saw a flier that said the league was looking for coaches, so she decided to volunteer.

"All the things that work for teaching worked for coaching: teaching things one piece at a time, how to praise, constructive criticism. With time, my knowledge of the game improved," said Berean.

Walsh, 36, who grew up in Fort Lauderdale, began playing ice hockey three years ago to share her husband's love for the sport. She became hooked. Hockey has become such a big part of her life that she says her husband jokes he has created a monster.

Walsh and Berean met at an ice hockey clinic in 2003, then played ice hockey together that year on the Lady Express travel team. In 2004, Berean asked Walsh to coach with her and they've coached youth roller hockey and ice hockey together ever since.

"Coaching is great," said Walsh. "Some tremendous personalities have come through our world. It's nice to say we taught them this and we taught them that."

Kevin Beckman, director of the Boca Raton Youth Roller Hockey League, said many parents want their kids to play for Berean and Walsh. "It's a good sign when kids want to stay on their team," he said.

Beckman said Berean has been one of the league's biggest assets the past nine years. He thinks her best year might have been one in which her team didn't win a game, but all the kids said they had a great time.

"I'm amazed every time Amy says she's willing to coach another season," said Beckman. "Most fathers didn't play hockey, so it's very hard to find coaches. It's so helpful to have Amy, who doesn't even have a child in the program, volunteer her time."

Beckman is always looking for volunteer coaches, male or female. If interested, call him at (561) 347-3908. The next season runs from March through May.