Silver

It just goes to show you how many variables factor into sports. On Saturday, our team played a solid game with a few mental lapses. The kids worked hard all year and to make to where they did. They really came together as a team. I can appreciate that someone who coaches elite players might find it frustrating to coach a house league team where the intention is to include everyone who wants to play regardless of skill level. It’s tough from both levels. The skilled players know they don’t have to put their best game on the field because the coaches are at least supposed to play them equally. The weaker players are usually also eager to get on the field and play. The trick is to help the players to identify a team identity that they can be motivated to play for and sacrifice for. It helps if you know a little about adolescent development and psychology as well. But as a coach it is really gratifying when you can see team members buy into the identity. It is also gratifying when you can see kids improve in their skill level.
I had three girls from Vauxhall that played their hearts out. They were by far the more skilled players on the team. Great team contribution. We won silver. We could have easily captured gold if we could have caught a break or two – or even a call or two from the ref. but hey no need for them to hang their heads. A real fun season. I might try a little more of this sometime…

here's Jared launching a goal kick.and then handing out the medals after the game...