I am very connected as a former player, parent of a player, and having coaching experience in the feeder levels.
As far as kids transferring out, Parents are tired of off field issues with other students and administrators. Tired of no support or communication. Tired of supposed gang activity and guns in the parking lot. a whole host of things that has nothing to do with the program. Not winning has a way of bringing out excuses in my opinion.
As far as kids not playing, I think Not winning much since 2001 and the population shift has a lot to do with it. More kids are interested in playing soccer.
As for what Coach Heck can do to fix it. #1 would have to be to get the Community AND School corporation behind him. Get out and meet people and share his vision. #2 would be to get the school corporation to make an effort to hire assistant coaches that are teachers also. I know this is tough, but they need more coaches in the buildings at all levels. #3 He's gotta figure out a way to reach the kids that don't love the sport, but could be good at it. The kids that want to play football for the love of the game are the only ones that are playing at the moment. #4 He has to win. Winning fixes everything.