"Dad, she called me a loser." This is what Reagan tells me after her soccer game last Sat. Loser? These are under 10 girls playing soccer. To my surprise, there was pushing, elbowing and a couple of take-downs; and that was just Ian and I on the sideline.
But really, loser? What are we teaching these kids? This is obviously a reflection of us as parents driving the kids to play like they are unknown-to-Americans-British soccer players. I think we are the losers. Ok, some soul-searching thinks all other parents are losers, not us...
I'll admit it, I want Reagan to score goals. And I feel horrible about it...Why? Simple. When I was a kid playing soccer, my Dad wanted me to score goals, after every game, "how many goals did you score?" Always my answer, "none" and the end of the conversation (memory is evil isn't it?).
I was just a kid that wanted to be on a team and wear the uniform. I could have cared less about scoring goals... Reagan seems to be the same way (surprise, surprise...). I told her I was the same and that it was ok not to score goals (no matter how much Daddy wants you to...). I confided in her that I was not a great soccer player (I am great now) and that I played defense and liked it. She seemed comforted but I don't think she cares and that is good.
There is another Dad that yells at Reagan's teammate (his daughter) non-stop. Interrupting the coach, contradicting the coach, on the field... It is just nuts. I feel for the little girl. I expect he and I will fight some day soon, and frankly, he'll probably win. He was probably scoring goals back when I was picking grass waiting for the ball to roll back to me...
Comments