Are we There Yet?
They are losing interest. They are losing their desire. They are losing their spunk and energy. They are slowly deteriorating. They, my 6-year-old soccer team, are quitting on me. They are 5 games into an eight game season, and they are ready for it to be over. They have lasted longer than me. I was ready for it to be over after game 3. They are strong boys, stronger than me, but their patience is gone.
This week was a gem. We lost 5 to 1. I am not concerned with the winning and losing, but I do believe that the kids should know what the deal is. Some of the coaches and parents in this league want to say that every game is a tie. I don’t go for that. I teach my kids to know the score. So my kids are big at announcing it at every goal. They are not quiet about it either. “Coach John, Coach John, now it is three to nothing!” 30 seconds later one is yelling, “Here we go again, coach John, it is 4 to nothing.” This week I had three different kids skip the score all together and go right to this, “Coach John, I think we should just go home.” It is hard to argue with smart kids. They had a point, and I had nothing to say in response.
Midway through the third quarter, 4 of my eight kids were sitting on the ground. That is half of my team, sitting in the middle of the field. I was getting frustrated, and I picked up the ball, and yelled out, “Hey maroon team, do you guys just want to go home?” Nobody answered me, but I could see it in their faces. Yes, they wanted to go home, and you know what, so did I. I am yelling and screaming words of encouragement all game long, and I don’t believe that anyone hears them, but of course the entire township seemed to fall silent just as I was yelling this. I got some funny looks. Some of the parents looked at me strange. It was just a question, asked loudly. Some of my kids stood up and finished the game. Some continued to pick the clovers. Three more games, just three more, then it’s over. I can see the light. It is near. Then we can go home.
This week was a gem. We lost 5 to 1. I am not concerned with the winning and losing, but I do believe that the kids should know what the deal is. Some of the coaches and parents in this league want to say that every game is a tie. I don’t go for that. I teach my kids to know the score. So my kids are big at announcing it at every goal. They are not quiet about it either. “Coach John, Coach John, now it is three to nothing!” 30 seconds later one is yelling, “Here we go again, coach John, it is 4 to nothing.” This week I had three different kids skip the score all together and go right to this, “Coach John, I think we should just go home.” It is hard to argue with smart kids. They had a point, and I had nothing to say in response.
Midway through the third quarter, 4 of my eight kids were sitting on the ground. That is half of my team, sitting in the middle of the field. I was getting frustrated, and I picked up the ball, and yelled out, “Hey maroon team, do you guys just want to go home?” Nobody answered me, but I could see it in their faces. Yes, they wanted to go home, and you know what, so did I. I am yelling and screaming words of encouragement all game long, and I don’t believe that anyone hears them, but of course the entire township seemed to fall silent just as I was yelling this. I got some funny looks. Some of the parents looked at me strange. It was just a question, asked loudly. Some of my kids stood up and finished the game. Some continued to pick the clovers. Three more games, just three more, then it’s over. I can see the light. It is near. Then we can go home.
posted by lawnwhisperer at 11:20 AM
8 Comments:
The problem is that Soccer is just a boring sport.
HAHA Bill! Lawn Whisper, are you up for next season? Do you think it gets better when they're 7? I guess picking clovers is better than picking their nose . . . any WAY better than peeing! ;)
LOL, I don't miss those days at all! And I wasn't even a coach, but I sure felt for the guy! Good luck! I like that you teach the kids to know the score and how points are scored. While I'm not huge into the win win win at all costs mentality alot of sport minded parents have, I hated that we tied crap when we so obviously beat their pants off! (just kidding) LOL chin up Whisperer...only 3 more to go! Stacie
Do you make the kids laugh, the way you make me laugh?
They have to know the score.
That is how you teach winning and losing.
A game as in life, has winners and LOSERS!!!
I once played on a team that went 1-17 for the season, and it wasn't at an early age either. It is all up to the coaches to get the kids to pick up their heads and fight to get one more win. Good Luck! sounds like you lost control already. Maybe you can play the next game without a goalie and use the extra attacker to score a goal.
I admire you. That's why I try to avoid sports. My kids are gonna be joining next year I think (not if I can help it though)...
Hang in there...
-n
"No more corn, no more corn, Yes more corn,yes more corn" It can be fun or annoying, it's in your perception. Enjoy the kids! Give them a season to remember. They have already done that for you. Oh to be a kid again! Let them be free. The reality of life sets in too early as it is. The winning and losing, though, is important for them to learn. Win with humility, take your defeat with dignity. Hey, Whisperer, that's my quote! Not bad, eh? That's the lesson a good coach will teach. One to be learned at any early age.
It's truly fun, isn't it? IF not leave the coaching to others. Don't beat yourself up over it. Kids will be kids. That's not my quote, but a true statement. Sometimes even adults will be kids. Now that's my words. Keep your chin up. Yes more corn! There is an end to the ride!
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