They Call Me Coach

In double overtime we pull it out and win the game, 3-2. I am so proud of my team. When they realized the other team had only ten players, they voted that we would play with only ten as well. I asked for a starter to volunteer and sit out. One did. No complaints.

As the soccer season continues, coaching the games gets more difficult. It takes twice the time it did in the beginning of the season to come up with the starting line-up. Back in August, it was very apparent who the strong players were. Six weeks later, they have all improved so much I have so many choices of where to put people! It is my philosophy that all players should have some game time. I have never had a complaint from either the players or the parents one way or the other about playing time.

I still wonder what to do about the player who breaks out into tears at least once during practice feigning someone stepped on him or he has a cramp in his leg. However, today during the game, he got a ball in the face and shook it off. He asked to come out a couple minutes later. No complaints upon discovering half of his face was swollen. The tears came when I complimented him on being so tough and shaking it off.

Or the laziness that at one time was second nature to one of the boys. He began the season by jogging down to the field to get the ball; most times, letting the other team get to it first. Now, he is right on the front line ready to make a goal – and he has made several. We still work on his ‘boys-will-be-boys’ behavior. I believe the progress in that area will take a bit longer.

Then there is the player that began every game with, “We’re gonna lose!” and ended the game with, “I suck!” He also started fights with one of the other players on a consistent basis. After taking the advice given to him, he started with positive talk. Oftentimes when a teammate gets hurt (the one he used to fight with), he is the first person to go over and see if he is okay.

The growth of the other players comes to mind as well. The boy who gives his all at every game and waits until the last possible minute to ask for a sub because he is having an asthma attack. Or the 7^th grader who quietly asks me if he will ever get to start a game. He started the next game and showed off a power foot that I had not seen before. He has started a few times since then.

The boys who made this all possible. The ones who asked me to coach. Strong players getting stronger. The numbers the opposing coaches call out to their players to be aware of. In the beginning, I learned from them. Now, they are learning from me. We laugh together whether it be about the unintentional ‘balls’ innuendoes or their jokes about jumping the fence. We talk strategy. Who should play what position. What they have learned from more experienced coaches. We enjoy all that the game brings.

I love coaching soccer. I could go on and on about each one of them. They are such wonderful young men that have taught me how much I enjoy coaching. Two more games and it is all over. I will miss them.