The Life & Times of a First Time Soccer Coach


It was never my intention to coach a soccer team of 15 high-energy, easily-distracted 6 & 7 year olds.  All I had on my agenda was getting my 7 year old, Jericho, into a sport and to support him by being present at every game and practice.  And so, in filling out his registration form, I marked "willing to help/assist the coaches of the team."

The league directors lit up when they read that: "Oh, you know what - we need coaches in this age group!"

After declining their invitation, I reiterated that I would help whoever the coach was in any way that I could - even as an "assistant."  I mean, I really like soccer.  I watch it occasionally through the year, and always watch every World Cup and Olympic game that I can. But, I confess, I don't know all the rules nor how the positions are played.  How could I possibly be any kind of soccer coach?

A few days later, the call came. "We still don't have a coach, and you're the only parent who marked 'willing to help...'" No hesitation.  The "yes" just came out. Which is, in a way, strange for me, as I have learned the necessity & healthiness of saying "no" over the past few years.

Those who know me, know that I am a person of prayer. As I prayed, "God, I have no idea why I'm coaching soccer," God helped me understand.  The real reason lies in why my family moved to a community where didn't know anyone a year ago.  To plant a new church... well, yes, but that's not the real reason.  The real reason we moved to Natchitoches, LA, knowing no one, was to be the difference.  Planting a church is just a part of that (a big part, but not the ONLY part).  It turns out coaching a kids' soccer team is also a part of that.

So that's how I approached coaching soccer.  To be the difference in the lives of 15 boys and girls & their families.

I was told by the other coaches and league directors that by the end of the season I would be struggling to pull a team together... that several would drop out, because they always do... So, I set some goals.  Two goals that I expressed to the kids and to the parents: 1) We will have fun, and 2) the kids will learn a couple of basic soccer skills and develop those.  And I had a third goal that I didn't tell anyone else until this very moment: 3) That no one would drop out from our team.

And no one quit! The level of faithfulness in investing in each other was something awesome to experience! This is what I long for as a Daddy and husband... this is what I long for as a Pastor.

In the end, I had way more fun that I thought I would - maybe even more than the kids! I delighted in getting to know each of their unique and beautiful personalities.  I stood amazed during our last game at how far they had each come in skill-level and teamwork. It was a joy to see their faces when I presented each of them their end-of-season medal, as a unique individualized award in celebration of who they are.  And as they received their rewards, I most definitely received mine!

And my biggest reward is this guy's face during the final game.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Choosing your worship style.

Image
The above photo is from a youth convention in 2001... and yes, that is yours truly with the ponytail.

One of the biggest battles within Christian congregations is "worship style." Now, one on the outside looking in, may be wondering, "Battles? Isn't there enough going on in the world to not be having battles amongst yourselves?" One would think so... wouldn't one. Never the less, this is an issue that has caused major fights between people who have chosen to continue the mission of Jesus (yes, that was a loaded statement; read it again if you like).

To some people, style is everything. To others, the One being worshiped is everything. To others, they just show up out of routine or duty.

Most people in emerging generations understand that the word worship has been taken out of context, and that it really has more to do with how you live day in and day out than what songs you sing or what rituals you partake in once or twice a week (more or less). The &qu…
Read more

Investing in Others (What is "discipleship")

Image
I continually find myself thankful for those who have invested in me.  Men and women who have mentored or coached me (maybe without realizing it), by befriending me and engaging in thought-provoking conversation - speaking into my life, as well as listening as if I may have something to say.  Some continue to invest in me, as I continue to grow and develop as a person... others may have been involved in my life for a short season.  But for each and every one of them, I am thankful.

One such friend is John McCallum (in the pic above with his awesome wife, Dayna).  John is the pastor of First Baptist Church, Hot Springs, AR.  I met John (I think for the first time) at a prayer luncheon for pastors when we happened to be seated at the same table.  During the conversation, he mentioned to us other pastors at the table that FBC had a full fitness center/gym, and would like to offer a free Family Membership to any Senior Pastor of the churches in town.   A few weeks later, I took him (and …
Read more

Lilies don't bloom somwehere else (a Church Planting post)

Image
Spring is upon us, and many of the wonderful things I have planted in my yard are coming to life. Lilies are popping up, pear trees are blooming, and blueberry bushes are starting to bud. In all of this activity, one thing is certain - everything that blooms will bloom where it is planted.

It also happens that we are almost 2 years into our church planting journey, and I'm discovering that "bloom where you're planted" doesn't always transfer to people. It turns out some people simply won't bloom here.  Some will join the journey, put down roots, make commitments, and then decide to move on. Lilies don't do that. But a church is much harder to plant than a garden.

Several years ago, I learned a valuable lesson that I find increasingly valuable on this roller coaster called church planting.  I was Lead Pastor of an established church. As happens too often (even once is too often in any church that claims Jesus as the subject), things happened and words wer…
Read more