End of Soccer Game of the Season

I didn't have a chance to post yesterday, so I will post today. Sportsboy finished his final soccer game of the season which meant that I finished coaching for the season. The soccer teams and games were through AYSO , a nation-wide organization run by volunteers, yes VOLUNTEERS.

I am not getting paid or given credit to write a review about AYSO; I just want to write a review about my experience as a coach for my son's soccer team. I have never coached a sports' team, however, I did work with children many times. I am not sure if this was beginner's luck or what, but the parents were extremely supportive, most of the children were AWESOME soccer players, for preschool and kindergarten level.

Although, we aren't supposed to keep scores, our team won big time overall. We might have tied with one or two teams. We played about 10 games.

The key with coaching youngsters (I mean preschoolers and Kinders) is that they must have structure and activities shouldn't last longer than 10 minutes. It is OK to repeat an activity after you have done a new activity. There was also lots of encouragement and high fives. No negative remarks were allowed by coaches and parents.

You know what else I found amazing, was the fact it did not cost much to join. I mean it can be expensive if you have four or five kids, sure. I payed $40 for 11 or 12 weeks, I believe. The extra $20 was a value card that offers discounts and savings from local businesses. This is what I got for this amount: 1. value card, 2. one practice per week for 12 weeks. 3. one game per Saturday 4. 1 complete uniform--t-shirt, shorts and socks. 5. medal 6. certificate. Plus coaches did whatever else extra they wanted to, but not required.My co-coach (sister) and I took them to a pizza place for some pizza.

Another extra benefit that I got was being close to some of the kids on my team. Parents asked me if they could stay together for next year, I told them I was they could but I am not the one who put the teams together. My team members played really well (I hope next year and the years after are the same).

Would I coach again? You bet. I even offered to help put teams together for next year. I loved to help be a part of the kids being more active. I also love to show them the world of soccer because I love soccer (although I am not an expert player). I also am honored to be a part of teaching them sportsmanship, how we cheer everybody on despite our weaknesses.

Yes, I spent more time with my son and I helped teach new skills to him and his teammates. The true lesson is that I challenged myself to another level of being a volunteer coach for a national organization that influences thousands of children every year.