Coach Dad

Christian decided that he wanted to play soccer again this year. He had a good time last year, so we wanted to encourage him to have fun and get some exercise. He is not a natural athlete and would much prefer to stay at home and read a book, so we thought soccer was a great idea. We got him all signed up and waited for a call from his coach. A few weeks before soccer was supposed to start, Jonathon got a call from the AYSO coordinator begging him to be a coach. Apparently, they were 15 coaches short and were desperate. Jonathon thought about it for a while and decided that he would do it. He was worried because he had so much going on at work and with a new baby, but he felt like he needed to help out.

Jonathon and Christian's team name was the "Blue Lightning." The majority of the kids were first year players, so their team was not very good. After talking to several other coaches, Jonathon realized that the teams were totally stacked. The coaches who had coached for a few years got their pick of the best players and their friends. They had really good teams with experienced boys. Jonathon and Christian's first game was so frustrating (the score was 10-0) and I was pretty discouraged. Jonathon, however, was so patient with the boys and worked hard with them during practices and at the games. He took his responsibility seriously, and came up with fun games to teach the boys the skills they needed. Throughout the season, the team improved so much. They lost every game they played, but the boys gained skills and had a good time. Christian scored one goal and was so excited. That one moment made it all worth it. The other half of the season takes place in the Spring, so maybe we can win a few then. I am so proud of my soccer player and his awesome coach.