The opponents have some formidable players:
We are watching little boys’ soccer. They are all in Grade 1, six years old, who are only starting to play soccer now. It is a big deal, this Saturday morning outing with the whole family. Dressed up in their smart blue and yellow kit, bought in the smallest size (but still too big for these little bodies), provided for the whole team by a proud mom as sponsor, they pitch at the scenic sports field, still wet with early morning dew.
They are all over the place. Teams play everwhere on the many fields. Around the fields are the families, watching, calling out in support, applauding and simply enjoying. The atmosphere is relaxed, the setting peaceful and the appreciation warm. It is a time for the young ones to learn in this game of sport other dimensions of their journey through life.
Our little one is part of the team coached by Coach David. He is a soccer player himself, but today he is the coach who greets every player with a friendly hug and a personal chat. Later on he is the continuing presence, changing players, calling out compliments, spurring them on, explaining how great it is that they pass on the ball to others. One day, they will remember him, perhaps be inspired to greater things by a word he spoke to them, a pat he gave them on the back.
They are all over the field, this bunch of young, active six year olds loaded with energy. But it is not merely a matter of kicking ball and running around on the field. They need to keep focussed and to persevere. It is a longish game, divided by a break during which the players drink their juice and munch their apples. And afterwards, their efforts are rewarded by a coupon which they can exchange for an item of their choice at the deli. A good reward, a proper motivation to return next week and an appreciation for their efforts.
The underlying approach is that they play for “fun.” No shouting at them, no pressure, but still with lots of meaning: Here they discover in a relaxed atmosphere the basics of the greatest game in sport on our globe. They get acquainted with a referee (a senior school boy, dressed up in proper referee dress). He blows the whistle occasionally, teaches the little ones that there are rules and that they have to abide by his decisions. Here they are taught to play according to rules, to be adept, to score, to pass the ball to team mates and to be sportmanslike in behaviour. And yet, nothing is too rigid. They do not play in specific positions, all of them run all over the field in a happy madhouse of chasing the ball. But they pick up the most basics of skills. Those little feet sometimes miss the posts even with a clean field. They are still unsure, sometimes, but they are learning and practicing - and that is what counts. Even if they miss, they are rewarded and supported by applause. Try again, bro. Next time you’ll definitely score. He is given support as if he will be the next David Beckham or Ronaldo.
The soccer is strictly under control. Parents are told how to behave and unacceptable behaviour censured. This is all about soccer played by the young ones out of joy for the sport. There is no competition in the strict sense of the word. Not yet. That will come later. At this stage, what counts is that the kids must have fun. Out of consideration there is a special rule in the case of the not so strong teams. When one team is too strong, some of their players are taken off so that the other team do not become discouraged or win too far.
Just occasionally, though, you see the Dad or the Mom with the Big Thoughts showing that little bit of indiscretion or over enthusiasm, revealing something of the bigger dreams they have for their kids. You recognise the restraint they experience to abide with the rule that this is all about fun. But this is only for the loose moment. The general atmosphere is happy, relaxed and appreciative.
I remember how often I read about the hours and hours which the great athletes spend to train for the big league games. Their whole existence comprises intense exercise. Their life is overshadowed by the one big ideal – to win and be the best in the world. And sure, the rewards are great: the recognition, applause, the inner satisfaction of being the best, the benefits of travelling, meeting the greats, earning a lot of money. And when one meets some of these athletes and see their mature personalities, you understand that sport can enrich peoples’ lives in a special way.
But here, it is different. On this level, one introduces the little ones to enjoy being with friends and family, to the joy of physical activity, of playing ball, of being part of a team that works towards a goal. This is just another moment in their life, a time to experience some good things. This is not the be and end of all things. Here they, who may not become famous soccer players, will at least experience what makes one a good player, what it means to persevere and concentrate. Here they learn to care and share, to persevere and focus – those values which will one day make them good physicians, authors, artists or just loving, supporting dads or moms who care for their kids and wish them bo be happy. To have fun when playing soccer in such a non-competitive manner may decisively form the character of someone for life.
No comments:
Post a Comment