Coach Dad

Football season has begun, and it's a whole new world.
Dash has joined a school team and guess who is coaching??? That's right, Daddy. Coach Dad to you, Dash.

I've had mixed feelings about whether it's a good idea for Dad to coach the Boy. It's pretty hard to not cross over the lines. You know, being Coach at home when you're meant to be just Daddy; being Daddy when you're doing the Coach thing. How would it all work out??

I shouldn't have doubted. Mr G is an excellent Coach. He's had those lads (and a few lasses) up at the school training every Wednesday for the last six weeks. Ball skills and tactics, passing and running into space... He says to them, All I ask is you give 100%. Do your best, that's all.

This year they are Grade 8 so they play with Goalies for the first time. Love those goalie uniforms. Not so keen on our new "strip" though. I've seen prettier. Grey and black??? Ugh. Too somber. Ahh well. It's not about the fashion. It's about the T.E.A.M.

And what a great little team!

Coach Dad had them all there this morning before kick-off, practising their passes, warming up with the ball.
One of the fathers couldn't believe his eyes and remarked to me, "Wow, I can't believe he's got my son focusing like that. That's a miracle, that is!"

When Coach Dad pulled out the magnetic football game to show the kids their field positions, another dad said, "As soon as he opened his mouth and that accent came out, I knew we were in for a good one..."

Mr G is English, you see. A born-and-bred Geordie from Newcastle. Born with football attached. The English take their football seriously. Don't call it soccer, whatever you do!

Of course we were nervous for the first game. How would the kids go? Would they remember what they've learnt? Would they play as a team, pass to each other (remember which direction to run??)

Yes, all of the above and more. The score? 3-0 to us.
The parents?? Impressed. Elated. Excited.
The kids? High-fiving each other and hugging after every goal. Shaking hands with the opposition and giving them a cheer "...and one for the ref!"

Mr G gathered together his Team after the game.

"Well done to every single one of you," he said. "I asked for 100% and you gave it. You can all give yourselves a huge pat on the back *sounds of kids patting their own backs* If I had enough trophies I'd give one to each and every one of you. I'm so proud of you and you should be very proud of yourselves!"

Awwwww. What a great Coach. I'm glad my kid has such a great guy for a Coach. And a Dad.

Well done Coach Dad. You rock.

P.S. The batteries on my camera died just as the game began. So no photos of the actual match, sorry Grandma! Dash scored one of the goals and played with a great attitude; even when he got tripped and hurt, he got up and carried on like a trooper. xx