Submitted by:
T. J. Slattery
Nice to see an article about the benefits of youth soccer. Not exactly what I had hoped for, but I too heard about the unfortunate incident at Maggie’s game last weekend. It is up to us, as parent volunteers, to put an end to the bad behavior and focus on the true benefits associated with this sport. Here are just a few:
More than 18 million children participate in youth soccer programs. Why, you might ask?
1. It’s easy to learn. Kids can learn how to kick a ball- although it might take some work to get them to go the correct direction. Its fairly simple to teach them the object of kicking the ball through a couple of goal posts. It holds their attention and kids as young as 3 or 4 can partake if they choose.
2. Boys and girls of all abilities can play- its all inclusive
3. It’s excellent exercise. With the growing concern of childhood obesity, soccer is a natural remedy to the ever popular computer games and game boy activities and get our children outside and active.
Fitness Benefits include:
Cardiovascular endurance
Muscle strength
Flexibility
Coordination
Balance
Weight control
Most importantly, youth soccer coaches have the awesome responsibility to instill social traits such as: discipline, teamwork, leadership, fairness and self-esteem with each of their team members.
All too often we hear stories in the media about “That Guy” or “That Coach” who behaved badly at a soccer game, or a hockey game or a youth basketball game and these accounts overshadow all the positives that happen in the program everyday. We need to hear more about the Coach Mark (Francis), Matt (Fairless) and Coach (Dr. Richard) Heises. Or what was that Wolfpack coach’s name? What he did certainly sounded fair and reasonable.
That could be the lead story right? One of my team parents sums it up pretty well— “The fact is plain and simple, God gave all of our children the talent and desire to play and to have fun. This is not professional sports, it’s a kids’ soccer league. It’s not whether you win or lose, it’s about attitude. It’s not about you or me or winning, it’s about them. Its about teaching them sportsmanship, fun, and good attitude. Life is imperfect and will go on. Win or lose. Negativeness breeds failure. Positiveness breeds success. “
Opposing points of view are respected and welcomed at the Sports’ desk. Should you wish to contribute your thoughts, kindly forward them to mcmurran@charter.net
