It's the beautiful game... and I love to coach it.Growing up, my dad couldn't wield the pigskin, or dribble a basketball, and he was probably more acquainted with cricket than baseball... but he knew how to play football -- real football. My earliest memories consist of him showing me the basics outside our home in Minnesota.
People don't understand the immense honor and privilege it is to have the opportunity to coach and teach young people. Coaching youth sports is the ultimate elixir; it makes you a better person.
You see both sides of the coin. When you do right, there is no losing. You might come up on the wrong side of a result, but there are a million potential victories in every loss. Sometimes, it's hard to find them... but that's why finding them is so much sweeter.
I thought playing the game was great. After I got hurt, I missed the action. To this day, I can't walk by a set of goals without a sense of hunger.
But nothing compares to the look of a 12 yr-old who looks up at you with complete trust. In that instant, you are humbled by the sheer weight of the situation. Hey Coach: you are it. In that space of time, practice or game, you are influencing a young person's life. You are teaching them. And, if you are blessed enough to recognize the opportunity, you also teach yourself.
You see, long after the whistle, long after the cupcakes and ice cream, it is so much more than the leather sphere, boots and gloves. It's about fellowship, family and sharing love for the beautiful game.
That's why I do it.
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2 comments:
"You might come up on the wrong side of result, but there are a million potential victories in every loss."
I think I've said this before, if not here then somewhere else.... God's so much more interested in our obedience than the results. We expect that when we are serving God that victory is sure. That's not always the case, but Jesus is clear to say "If you love me you will obey my commands."
Thanks for pouring your heart and soul into the lives of young people, and loving it.
Nice post Tre. Coaching is much like parenting and teaching and a long list of occupations that show people the nicer side of what we feel is important. Obviously, soccer is something that can bring out the best and worst in people. Perhaps I'm not as religious as some of your readers, but, I am able to see good in people and I saw alot of good in your teachings this last season. We all coach for one reason or another, we get as much out of teaching as the players do out of getting taught. It is all about winning, but t5hat can mean you win by showing a life lesson that will impact the way a young lady views herself. Maybe the game was lost but the manner in which they lost come back as a lesson in how to respond to diverse situations, we can't win at everything. I don't think they realize the life lessons they are being taught, even from a man with green hair at times. :) webmaster- hehe
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