We played three games in the champions tournament last Saturday, and although we didn't qualify for the semifinals the boys played really well. The final game was played in the cold and rain, included a 30 minute delay for lightning, and finished in near-darkness due to our field not having working lights. As you can see from the picture, even coaches who brought umbrellas got wet. :)Coach Gary, the team's other coach, and I have coached for fifteen seasons - some good, some bad. Last spring was one of our bad seasons, one in which we finished 0-10 and scored only one goal the entire season. It was a long, grueling season, and it was difficult to maintain the kids' enthusiasm.
This fall was one of our good seasons. We managed to surpass last season's totals for goals and wins in our first game when we won 7-1. Also, this fall we never gave up more than 3 goals in a game which was a vast improvement over last season as well.
I don't consider myself a good soccer coach. I never played organized soccer growing up, and I'm sure most of the other coaches know more about the game than I do. Granted, after fifteen seasons and a few coaching clinics I know more than when I started, but I'm still no expert.
But I do consider myself to be a good coach. I don't yell and scream at the kids, I try to make the practices fun, and I make sure every kid gets to play at least half of the game. You'd be surprised at how many coaches don't play all of their kids, even though most soccer associations require it.
The point is this: don't let a lack of knowledge ever stop you from volunteering with kids. A little time, a little patience, and a little fun are all you need to have an impact.
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7 comments:
Don,
Thank you for being such a great example. Our son is not the most athletic child, but when he played he thought he was contributing at every game! You gave him confidence to be the best soccer player he could be. Thanks for your patience. This was an incredible experience for Bryce!
Dawn Carlson
Ditto on Dawn's comment!
Thank you for time and patience with the boys. Thank you for getting Tandy to realize that there's more to playing soccer than just "hanging out" by the goal. :) He is now excited about playing offense and looks forward to indoor ball and the spring!
Janey
Hi Don,
Ok- so my wife already posted but figure I'd also say 'great job' and thank you for your efforts. Tandy may not be the best player but I've never seen him so willing to learn, to get better and have such a huge desire to get out there and contribute- to have a real sense that he is part of a team. Even while waiting the 30 min in the freezing cold during the lightning hiatus :)
Terry
Since you probably don't follow pro-soccer, you may not know that there is a job opportunity in England. The English national team failed to qualify for the European Championships (like the WC, but just for european teams). They just fired their coach last week. Interested in the job? :-) Lanny
Don - We can;t thank you, Gary, Amie enough. What a great season. Your leadership was awesome, allowing all kids to participate to their fullest. We look forward to next season and your sustained leadership. THANKS AGAIN!!!! SO MUCH APPRECIATED!
This is a great blog. Seeing things like this just makes me even more proud to call you my friend...
Laura
Lanny, England already contacted me about the job, but I wanted too much money. :)
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