Leadership and Mentoring

Through coaching soccer I have had the chance to meet young men in the making. At six and seven years old, I find myself often not taking the boys seriously nor am I generally concerned with their actions. But that is because I know them, too. And I know their parents. These boys have played soccer together for three years now.

Yesterday, we had an additional player join the team. He shoved and pushed and cried and screamed when he did not get the ball or was not having his way. He was a good athlete, but the team wasn't jiving. Suddenly, I felt like the Dallas Cowboys with T.O. and realized then that cohesive teamwork is much better than all-star athletes.

We held our typical practice. I had them out on the field running and working drills. When they broke a rule, I stopped practice and explained to the team how to handle that situation within the confines of the rules. My new child wasn't comfortable. At six years old, he told me in the middle of the first practice that he quit! I hope he comes back, but with a good attitude.

I also learned something yesterday. Young boys who are going to be our next generation of young men need mentors and loving discipline. I hope to have the chance to impact their lives not to be great soccer players but to be leaders in their community when they become adults.