I spent 16 Saturday mornings this school year watching my grandson play soccer. His parents, Jared and Tiffany, took on the responsibility of coaching Reid's soccer team. They began last fall and just completed another season this past Saturday. They were very successful.
Jared and Tiffany took a team of 4-6 year olds who had no previous experience. They had no skills and were typical of what you would expect at their first game last September. They lost. Jared and Tiffany began teaching them skills---you know, how to dribble, how to pass, how to shoot, how to play defense, how to use strategy, and the list can go on and on.
They won the rest of their games during the fall season. This Spring they were undefeated and pretty much outclassed everybody they played. Some of the players will be moving up to the 8 year old level this fall, so the team will not be together again. Too bad we can't see more of them.
This is just in from Sports Radio...Gold outscored their opponents 61-30 in the Fall and 80-13 in the Spring! Reid was the second youngest on the team and led the team with 21 goals this Spring. The next leading scorer was only one goal behind Reid. Well, maybe it wasn't on Sports Radio, but it was their loss!
I am proud of Reid. His dad, Jared, was a really good soccer player in his day, but Reid is better at 5 years old than Jared was at the same age. It will be interesting to see how he progresses. He favors Jared in a lot of his moves.
Yet, Reid, does not receive my most praise tonight. I am most proud of Jared and Tiffany, who took a group of kids who had no obvious experience and turned them into a tremendous 4-6 year old team. I can't believe how far they have come this year. They can coach better than I ever could. They also had the full cooperation of the parents and that is special in today's world.
Some of our journeys in this life are similar to what I have just detailed. Don't miss any of the "journeys" or you will be missing some of life's beautiful moments.
