Soccer Screamers
My kids are playing soccer again through the city parks and rec programs. It's the eighth team for my son and the fourth for my daughter.
They like it because it's fun. Everyone gets to play, and nobody keeps an official score or team standing. The highlight of each game is still the snack at the end.
That's the way the kids like it, even the 4th graders who are becoming a bit more competitive. If they want to take soccer seriously, they can move on to Sting and its long season, strict practices, and parents who dream of college scholarships.
Parks and rec kids just want to have fun.
Sometimes the parents forget that. Last week I had my first experience with a screamer at my son's game, a dad who was berating his kid for some improper footwork.
All I ever say to my son is, "Have fun."
He's not the fastest kid on the field, and he's never scored a goal in eight seasons, but he enjoys being a part of the team and honing his defensive skills.
I hope the screamers and their kids move on to something more challenging. Parks and rec soccer is not the place for them. My son only has three years left to play it, and I just want to see him out there having a good time and getting some exercise.
They like it because it's fun. Everyone gets to play, and nobody keeps an official score or team standing. The highlight of each game is still the snack at the end.
That's the way the kids like it, even the 4th graders who are becoming a bit more competitive. If they want to take soccer seriously, they can move on to Sting and its long season, strict practices, and parents who dream of college scholarships.
Parks and rec kids just want to have fun.
Sometimes the parents forget that. Last week I had my first experience with a screamer at my son's game, a dad who was berating his kid for some improper footwork.
All I ever say to my son is, "Have fun."
He's not the fastest kid on the field, and he's never scored a goal in eight seasons, but he enjoys being a part of the team and honing his defensive skills.
I hope the screamers and their kids move on to something more challenging. Parks and rec soccer is not the place for them. My son only has three years left to play it, and I just want to see him out there having a good time and getting some exercise.
Permalink posted by Phil at 12:27 AM
5 Comments:
Ditto.
I don't think something more challenging is the place for those parents either. We (competitive) parents aren't big fans of the parents who yell AT their children either. There is a time and a place for correction and training...I call it practice.
Not all clubs are like Sting and if your son or daughter enjoy the game of soccer and want to continue past park and rec, look into the other clubs in the area. My husband and I are very involved in our local club. Our main focus is kids learning to love the game and improving their skills, as well as learning leadership and teamwork. We are not trying to pump out collegiate or even high school superstars. On my son's team you will hear the parents cheering for good combinations of passes as much as they cheer for goals.
I am glad your son enjoys playing soccer. Please don't lump all clubs together, we are not all like Sting.
We read the same rule book. I always tell my sone rule #1--Have Fun. I had to institute rule #2--Stay on Your Feet because he falls down--a lot!
OK I admit I'm a screamer. However, I do not scream cut downs. I scream encouragement. "Good job! Nice block! Yea, Goalie. You got it girl. Run, pass, yes!" And I scream at every kid on the field. Yes, I'm an equal opportunity screamer. It gets very confusing when I yell first at offense, "Take it, take it, go, you got a clear shot." Then also at defense, "Here he comes don't let 'im by. Good block!" I also jump up and down and cheer no matter which team scores. I enjoy the game and watching the kids improve all season long. However, we are just a small homeschool group with some kids getting some exercise and fun with friends. I certainly hope my screaming is taken the right way I don't want to offend anyone. I have tried not screaming but it doesn't stick.
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