Watch those kids learn each day – in the right environment they gain life skills and have fun. Hank has been going to Soccer Tots for a couple of years. The classes begin with a team warm up, a catchy jingle that requires a circular arm motion, some hand clapping, responses to the coach and some screaming! You can never touch the ball with your hands!! Coach T begins his unique practices with a series of non-standard chants, not the actual works to the song “we all love to play soccer with our friends” but variations on that theme. Each creative verse is met with a chorus of nos from the team. Coach T gets everyone involved and makes it entertaining. Class continues with the players chasing the person with the flag until they catch her and then move on to a well deserved water break. At age 3, the parents or grandparents have only a small role in the training, hold the hula hoops to kick the ball through and throw them for the kids to chase. This ends with all the kids chasing Coach T to put their hula hoop over his head. I will not further spoil your upcoming visit to watch a practice but I encourage you to consider this program for your friends and family. Soccer Tots will tell you that they believe youth soccer is the “Best” introduction sport for kids of all ages. My experience as a former soccer coach and parent supports their claim. Every child gets to participate regardless of skill level and the practice is designed to keep it moving and develop self confidence. Coach T is a shining example of encouragement and boundless energy – Hank loves him and listens intently to what he says. No happier moment than when practice ends and each kid has earned a sticker for their effort. The technical skills and true competition will come a bit later and are a part of growing up, for now learning the basics can be fun. Thanks to all the Coach T’s.
Even Batman has joined a team – he is a part of the Justice League. The Dark Knight doesn’t need help from anyone or didn’t until he realized he could use some help and some friends. Recently the villains have banded together to form the Legion of Doom. Hank and I watch an occasional superhero movie and although some of the more complex messages and frequent humor evade him now, he definitely understands good and evil, reality and make believe. Today’s superheroes teach a lesson while doing good. I was very pleased when I asked Hank, who does Batman love the most? “He loves himself but he protects everyone.” I realize too much screen time is a concern-Hank would still rather play at the beach or in the snow in McCall with his friends at pre school. It would be excellent if we could all focus our attention on the children who are the best hope for our future.
“Why do we fall? So that we can learn to pick ourselves up.” Batman. “Sometimes the truth isn’t good enough, sometimes people deserve more. Sometimes people deserve to have their faith rewarded.” More Batman. Too few real super heroes today! Let’s all work on making a difference for someone.
Pretty gloomy out there today in Boise, but the sun will shine tomorrow. Enjoy the week end. Mike