Do unto the game, as long as the game does it for you!

In our attempt to mold champions, we often lose sight of the fact that most of the kids we are responsible for will never play high school varsity, much less club (premier) or college soccer. The time our children spend playing “The Beautiful Game” is supposed to be a magnificent romp, a journey of self-discovery, and FUN! Unfortunately, if you have an idiot coach pushing little Jimmy Average to be the next Pele or Donovan or Kljestan, Jimmy will quit and hate you for it! We have a sacred charge as coaches, regardless of whether we are working with kids during match play, preparing them for the same, or in the gym, preparing their bodies and their minds. Often, the player (read: child) knows exactly where he or she stands in terms of longevity, it’s Mom, Dad, and yes, even the dedicated, well-intentioned Coach. If we can save the children from the adults, and allow them to experience the GAME as it was meant to be played, they will flourish and love you for it!

I’ll tell you about the worst example of this sort of behavior I’ve ever witnessed some time. It was 13 years ago, in Ashland, Ohio. Had I not been around the game from the time I was 8, knowing that parents can indeed be insane, absolutely certifiable when it comes to little Julie or Jimmy kicking a ball around the pitch. And then there’s the coach, having never played the game or any other, living vicariously through his children or those he is responsible for…our children!

Take care and best wishes always!

See you in the cheap seats!

CoachZ
216-712-6526
coachz@ultimatesoccertraining.com