Summer Soccer Clubs Begin Across Iowa: a Volunteers Thoughts

For the past 10 years, I have been heavily involved in my town's local soccer scene (Cascade). I sit on our local club board, volunteer to coach, mend nets and goals, and mow and paint lines each summer. It seems like a thankless job at times, but I love it as I get to work with some of the best kids around. Most aren't too shabby at soccer, either.

Practice for my high-schoolers began last night. Let's just say this almost 40-year-old man is still kicking, just slowing down with each year. BTW, thanks for blasting Coach Tom last night, Brad. My ribs and knee will be aching for weeks. Anyways, I figured I would post my obligatory message to parents, kids, coaches, and refs, as I feel society continues to pull away from decency, with eyes always set on instant gratification.

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Firstly, to the parents. It can be tough to see your kid not play as much or show little progress. I should know, for many years growing up, I wasn't the best or a guaranteed starter for many of my favorite sports. What I was, was a hard worker. That's all I want from my kids as a coach and as a parent. Life's not easy, nor are sports. Parents need to set some standards for their kids. My least favorite saying from school when I was a youth was, "You're perfect as you are." That's gotta be the biggest lie we tell ourselves and our kids. It does an extreme disservice to our children and how they view themselves. How about we switch it to, "You can become so much more than you already are." It shows our kids that they are special, but also allows them to work hard and better themselves.

Also, coaches and refs don't need your opinion. Be assured, they are doing the best they can with the knowledge they have. Will they miss a call here or there, or make a poor substitution? Sure, we're all human, and to err is human. Let's instead set an example for proper manners and fair play so kids understand and learn how to enjoy a sport: win, lose, or draw.

Secondly, to the coaches. I'm thrilled to see you volunteering your time and energy to help build these kids up. I don't care how much you know about soccer/futbol, just being there makes a world of difference to these kids. They'll figure out the rest as they compete and grow. That being said, try not to get frustrated or lose your temper when your team doesn't win a match or you deal with a "tough" child. I'm not saying some kids don't need a little push or encouragement sometimes, just be careful to do it lovingly. I've been known to be a shouter, but I mainly do it to put my kids in the best position and situation to succeed on the field, not to berate or belittle their play, or lack of skill.

Thirdly, to the refs. Thank you. It's probably the hardest thing to do in our modern world. It truly is a thankless job, and I should know, as I have volunteered to ref games in the past as well. Do your best to keep things fair for the kids on the field. I will say, in the Dyersville league where my kids compete, the refs have been quite good overall, and we're spoiled, honestly. Refs, though, let's not get power hungry. Remember, the parents are there to cheer on the kids, grace is needed for the way some of them do it. Learn how to disagree with coaches without immediately going to the pocket (yellow or red card). Finally, help these kids learn how the play the game the right way. And again, thank you for giving your time to a youth sport I dearly love.

Finally, to the kids. I don't care if you're the next Ronaldo or you think you are. Soccer is a team sport, and you can't play it alone. The sooner you learn this, the better player and person you will become. Take this opportunity to help the weaker ones grow by putting in the hard work yourself and lifting them up. Growing up is a funny thing, one minute you're bad at everything and the next you hit a growth spurt and show up everyone who used to beat you. No matter what, work hard, listen to your coaches, and respect the refs. Being a great soccer player lasts as long as you can play, but being a great person lasts a lifetime.

I'm looking forward to another amazing year, working with your amazing kids. Let's make it a team effort again this year, so we all succeed and our kids have fun doing it. I'll see you on the pitch.