Kids all over the world are flocking to Soccer like a moth does to a flickering light found above a trash can. So your child turns to you and demands he wants to play soccer. What’s the first thing that enters your mind?
After the initial shock of the question you start to conjure up excuses why your child shouldn’t play soccer. “Sorry son I don’t have the time. Sorry son we can’t afford it. Sorry son I’d love to take you but I don’t want you to get injured. Sorry son maybe next year.”
Can you think of any other excuses? Chances are you’ve utilized some of the above or even created your own little master pieces. Before you think about the following scenarios, answer them with complete honesty.
“Sorry son I don’t have the time!”
In most cases this excuse is valid. Most dads are professionals and have pursued their careers for years. They have little time to scratch their behind and would rather spend the few seconds they have spare relaxing in front of the television. Your case is strong but the jury’s verdict is unanimous, guilty.
Your son asked you if he could play soccer right? He didn’t ask you to provide transport to and from the grounds. Parents that are able to attend training would be more than happy to take your child to training if it meant their children would gain another friend.
Have you noticed anything different around soccer clubs these days? There is a new breed that if let unattended will eventually dominate and rule the green pastures. Can you guess what I’m talking about? The new breed has been labeled the “soccer mom”. Gone are the days when males dominated every aspect of the game. The soccer mom is here to stay and it’s quite refreshing to see the levels of testosterone drop significantly around Kids Soccer.
“Sorry we can’t afford it”.
Juries verdict, guilty. Although times are tough and the recession has hit us all, soccer at junior level doesn’t cost a cent. Most clubs have fundraisers and help raise money to cover all expenses. Allowing your kids to participate in Soccer is not a cost. The value your child will get out of soccer cannot be measured in dollars and cents.
Soccer allows your child to be fit and healthy, develop muscles and strength, develop social skills and have the opportunity to make friendships that will last a life time. So the question is “can you afford not to play soccer?”
“Sorry son I don’t want you to get injured”.
Verdict, guilty, guilty, guilty, while the judge throws the book at you. Do I really need to explain this one? No matter how much protection you offer your kids the chances of injury are the same. A child getting injured during sport is not a bad thing. It happens. The same way you can roll your ankle walking down the street. Do you stop walking? Do you stop living life?
“Sorry son, maybe next year.”
The fact that your child has asked and is aware of soccer is enough evidence to suggest that he is ready. Coaches, clubs and clinics provide soccer for all ages. I’ve seen clinics that cater for 1-5 year olds. To suggest that your child is too young for soccer holds no weight to your defence.
Bang, bang, bang, order in the court as the hammer echoes through the court room. “Has the jury come to a verdict?”
Yes your honor!
Guilty!
Your son has been sentenced to a life of PlayStation and junk food. If I see you in my courts again, I’ll have to also charge him with obesity and loneliness.
Stop making excuses and give them what they want. Playing sport/soccer is the best gift any parent could give to their kids.
OR DAUGHTER. Girls soccer is pretty big too. It’s not just the guy that have these problems.
Gday Amy, you are 100% correct. This site is for both sexes and the advice and information is for both male and female players. From now on, I will address both sexes in my posts. Thanks for stopping and leaving a comment.