SeeingRred
My sons started playing House League soccer when each turned 4. We love the game! We love it for the energy, excitement, and the passion. But, this year for the first time I got to see firsthand the other side of that raw, encompassing emotion. Physiologically, it makes sense. When soccer (any high-intensity game) mixes with Boys U14, it is understandable that there will be tons of attitude and insurmountable amounts of testosterone. Admittedly there were hints of it before, but now that my eldest, JRE, is 12 years old, we got a taste of how fiercely competitive it can be.
This kind of competition, even with the best intentions, can get the better of us. In their Semi-finals game today, I heard one voice, booming and overzealous in the crowd. It was amusing and almost endearing at first. But, soon more voices joined in to cheer on their prized player, The One, who would lead them to the win. Just The One’s name was screamed out over and over: ” Go _! To the left _! _ is open! Pass it to _! Score _! _!!! Full of support, yes, but so commanding and so persistent. Too much weight to carry. Too much pressure>> full hands-on>snarls>pushes>trips. Even before the end of first half, the referee stopped the game. We watched on as he urged The One to follow his lead and get down on one knee. The ref held onto his shoulder and prompted The One to calm down and breathe. It was such a curious and compelling scene. Moments after, the teams played on. It was a thrilling match, right to the finish. And then “Red Team” pulled ahead to continue on to the Finals.
There was a nervous energy in the air for the last game, along with a huge Red pit of doubt. Throughout the soccer season, it was commonplace for players/parents to jeer with bravado or chastise individuals about their size, looks, ability, and even enthusiasm. It was worse still to witness complacent coaches’ who echoed their ugly support. For the Finals, our team was set to play against the Blue Team, the reputed “#1 dominating team”, the very team that they had battled back and forth, the whole time playing under mockery and chastisement. During the season, even when it got to a point where referees had to step in to manage the disrespect, somehow Red Team (MYSC Team Toronto) kept their cool and held their heads high. But, today it was especially gruelling, because they were playing for more than just a win. This time, it was about self-respect and worth. While parents held their breaths, the game tied at 3-3 and went into an intense overtime. With both teams determined to hold on to their honour, they battled it out for five minutes with no goal. Stalemate.
Under a sun-filled August sky and with the whisper of the cool changing winds, they proceeded to the final bout, a jaw-clenching shoot-out.
Red Kick: No Goal! (Nice try!)
Blue Kick: No Goal! (Yaay!)
Red Kick: No Goal! (It’s ok. It’s ok.)
Blue Kick: Goal! (OOh!)
Red Kick: No Goal! (Oh no!)
Blue Kick: Goal! (Please no.)
Red Kick: No Goal! (Oh my!)
Blue Kick: No Goal! (Whew…)
Red Kick: Goal! (Yes!)
Blue Kick: No Goal! (Please. Pleeeease.)
Red Kick: Goal! (THANK YOOOOOUUU!!!:)
Our team, the underdogs, earned this formidable win. Every single game, no matter the score, was a clear demonstration of strong and encouraging young leadership, amazing teamwork, joyful camaraderie and heart. It was a PROUD final moment in a truly awesome soccer season for a brilliant team!
And, it was particularly inspiring because today the nice guys won!
Lessons learned, my sons:
And remember, #GoodGuysDontAlwaysFinishLast