Well, my son’s team in U8 of our Region is undefeated and yet somehow the family dynamics on the sideline is something that I find curious. Each family sits far enough away from the other so as not to look unfriendly, yet are far enough away from each other that they don’t actually have to speak to the other. This is the first time in 6 soccer seasons that I have experienced anything like it.
However, weird as it may be.I kinda like it. It is hard to be on the sidelines and listen to parents yell to the kid with the ball to pass it to their kid and their kid alone when sometimes another kid is in better position to receive the pass. And when a kid other than theirs scores, makes a great pass to set up a goal/goal opportunity or stop a goal from happening against us, these few dads have nothing to say. But they are loud and clear when their son does something right.
That’s right, we are undefeated. Not because we have a few good kids, but because our kids are learning to play the game together. And while yes, we do have a few standouts on our team, they play well with the others. The newer and younger kids on the team are learning a great deal from those who have been playing longer.
But, hey DADS, would it hurt for you to cheer for the team as a whole. I love seeing a kids face when he hears the whole group of parents on the sideline cheering out for him. Especially those newbies who are unsure if they are doing the right thing. When they make a great play, reinforce it! Does it really cause you pain, random DAD? Do you think it hurts your kid to have him hear you cheer out someone else’s name OR do you think it may help him be a better sport and better person in the long run???
Anyhow…Hats off to those of you who cheer for all the kids, encourage all the kids, and enjoy watching all the kids learn the game, play the game, and become better people and quite possibly, even become great MEN!