An Act of Sincere Kindness

A short story from training.

As I bought the players in before training yesterday I asked, as most coaches do each night “How is everyone”? One player replied “meh” - I said why “meh”? She just shrugged and said “meh”. I said, “you're at football, theres no time for meh”! and I asked the players to say something they like about her or respect her for.

the results surprised me and made me incredibly proud.....
YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!
YOU ARE FUNNY!
YOU ARE KIND!
‘YOU'RE A GREAT PLAYER’!

You’re a great player came in fourth, but it was an afterthought – it was irrelevant in the moment for the players. In the moment they needed their teammate, their friend to feel worth. I could not be prouder of the group.