Improvement > Non Deliberate Training & Matches

My first foray into semi organized sports as a parent was with my daughter for Softball (that's a longer story) with our local recreation organization.

A parent coach came up to me excitedly and asked if I knew how well my daughter is doing. "SHE IS LEADING THE LEAGUE IN RBI"!

She's 5.

It got me thinking about what my "why?" was for my daughter.

In the end it comes down to pure enjoyment. I know she loves batting, putting on her uniform and being a part of the team (she had no idea her team was not winning games). Enjoyment for her for sure, but for her parents watching and her brothers that cannot wait to be big enough to play too.

I was talking to a parent of a player recently and it was reminiscent of talking to an agent about a professional player. In the midst of the conversation I asked the parent what it looked like in 10 years time for her daughter. She had no answer for the question, it had simply not occured what happens to her daughter, football wise after the following season. I encouraged her to work backwards, and take more time to enjoy watching the play and focus on the whole a little more. I have never seen a player do something well under stress.

Football is the most watched and participated sports in the World. I encourage players and parents to look at improving and enjoyment. Tournaments and competition is fun for sure, without a doubt. But is that the epitome of enjoyment?

To quote a friend of mine "It's serious for sure, but it can be serious fun too".

I hope the Astros take a look at my daughter, in the meantime I'll continue to watch her enjoy it.

Lee Cullip