Tonight is the eve of my first practice as a pee wee soccer coach and I am already overwhelmed with emotions. I am excited to get out and help these little 5 year olds understand the game of soccer and have a pleasant first experience in athletics. It is important to me that the kids get a solid basis of fundamentals and have a great time doing it. For many of the kids it will be their first experience in a competitive atmosphere. The main thing I want to pass on to these kids is to give their best effort and have fun playing the game. It doesn’t matter whether they win or lose, there will be plenty of time for that in the future. They need to develop a confidence in themselves and their ability so they can have an enjoyable experience. I truly just want the kids to have fun and want to come back each week. If every kid is smiling at the end of the practice, I will be satisfied.

My other emotion is a little fear. Not that the kids aren’t going to have a good time or they won’t listen to me, but I am afraid of the parents. Last year was my first experience in youth sports. I remembered being so proud of my kids for just kicking the ball and understanding which goal to kick it into. Then I look over at this other father and he is keeping score, writing down which kid scores each goal. My first advice is, “don’t be that guy.” What is the point? Just be a supportive parent and cheer not only for your kid, but every kid on the team. Nobody cares who scores the most goals or wins in 5-year-old soccer. Just make sure that everyone is having fun and improving from week to week. Be a rock star in your kids life by supporting them unconditionally, not just because they score a bunch of goals.

I will let y’all know how the first day goes. It is supposed to be a 50 percent chance of rain, so the first practice may entail a drill with slip n slide’s. And remember, “Don’t be that guy!”