Season is almost over. Tournament done - almost. Two more games tomorrow for my older boys. My daughters team, the one I coach - were done. Started out very strong in our first game with a big win. Yet, having sick soccer girls, missing 2-3 players most of the week practices and games added up to exhausted girls. Two games in fours hours/three in less than 24 hours - too much to expect from a short handed group of 7 year olds. My daughter played her heart out. They had fun, but no one likes losing in the end. So tired long faces ended the season.
Tough seasons for my boys as well. Great expectations, kinda dashed in the end. Consolation games for both of them tomorrow. Each played hard. One is saying no more soccer and just basketball and baseball. The other is saying maybe soccer again, but I really want to play football now. My little girl - she loves playing no matter. She loves being with the other girls, and no matter how hard losing today was (and hard she played) - you get a strong "Oh Well" feeling from her. No biggie!
Me - kinda thinking this might be my last season for awhile. Although the league is trying to get me to coach more teams. I gotta admit, running and coaching soccer does conflict at times. It also conflicts with other volunteer work I do in the community. Plus, it really takes a lot out of our family. All the kids playing most seasons. I end up coaching sometimes two teams - it all means I miss things. Meaning I miss watching most of the older boys games. I miss one on one time practicing with them in the park. It seems like I am sacrificing time, quality time with my kids, while giving it all to other kids who are not mine. At least when it comes to soccer that is.
So, my gratitude out of all this? Coaching has brought out of me something that is natural. Teaching kids. Love it. Teaching is what - in the biggest Mothers know best moment told me once - YOU NEED TO DO THIS! She was right, like most Mothers are. Yet, at 44? Am I too old for a jump into the profession? Is there any work out there for me in this profession? It doesn't matter - it is all good. I am very grateful I can teach, even if it is just volunteer coaching. It is a blast! Draining - yet nothing more fun!
Cheers!
4 comments:
Where do you find the energy? All that PLUS 3 am runs...
In my area, there are a lot of teachers looking for jobs. It would be a scary jump to make. On the other hand, there's such a dearth of male elementary school teachers.
It's so cool that you've coached for so long. I'm always amazed by the parents who have it together enough to work, parent, have some outside interests, AND coach. I can barely keep it together enough to get my kids where they're supposed to be and work!
It is so tough to fit in all the things we want to do. Good for you for making the time in your life for making a difference for a lot of kids and it is ok to say no to focus on some other things too.
Your kids sound just as busy as you do!
Sigh. I miss youth sports. And Cub/Boy Scouts. Helping out youth is sooo rewarding.....
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