Little League Soccer

The Team Needs a Coach

I had less than 10 minutes to prepare

Best sports team meeting ever

I had been attending my son's games at the YMCA for several weeks
When the league director approached me, walking to my position
He slowly walked up to the bleachers where I was posted up
League Director: Word has it, you've done some coaching

He continued: Can we chat for a moment?
At this point, our chat moved from stands
To the side of the arena where my son
Would be playing in a few minutes

As I walked over to the team - I had no idea what I would say - this was not my sport

Me: ...
Him: We need a new coach and were hoping you'd say yes

Me: ...
Him: What do you think?

Me: I've never coached soccer before
Him: I don't think that will be a problem

Me: Well it's true that I've been coming to the games anyway
Him: ...

Me: What happened to the other coach?
Him: He's no longer with us

Me: Were you thinking I'd be starting today?
Him: What better time than the present?
We both: *light chuckle*

Me: IF I do not do it, who's going to do it?
Him: That would be me

Me: Would you have a problem doing it?
Him: Not at all but I do coach several of the other teams here

Me: It would be nice to be able to do that with my son
Him: That's why our first choice always goes to one of the parents

Me: Do you need me to sign something? Who do I need to meet?
Him: This can all happen on a handshake - the kids are waiting

Me: Well let's not keep the kids waiting shall we?
We both: *smile*
We both: *shake hands*

Me: Then it's decided. This team just took a turn for the better
Him: I have no doubt

My opening speech was like this

Me: Hey yall, that's my kid right there and I'm his dad
Me: You guys need a new coach?
Team: Yayy!!!

Me: Ok listen
Me: Everyone sit down
Me: Over here in the shade
Team: *sits down in the shade*

Me: I have an important question
Me: That I'd like to ask all of you first
Team: *Leans in closely to hear the question*

Me: Raise your hand..
Team: *Leans in*
Me: If you can get a goal

Mind you - in the past I've been one to make things overly complicated

On that day I kept it simple
The team was intrigued
I was impressed
By their listening

They weren't sure what to make of this question
Mind you this is when they all cluster around the ball
They are challenged and very engaged in that moment

Slowly, three individuals on the team raised their hands
They were not sure if they were being trapped, or what
In my mind I was thinking, "that's the mettle I need"

I looked at each of them and asked them their names
My son was not one of the kids
To raise his hand at that time
Which is obviously no problem

Me: *looking at the three kids holding up their hands*
Me: Great. You three are starting up front.
Me: The rest of you will all play defense
Me: Everyone plays goalie at least once
Me: At one point or another
Me: Until we find a goalie
Me: Not sure when
Me: We'll take turns

Best - Coaching meeting - Ever

Me: Any questions?
Team: *no questions*

Me: Let's play!
Team: Yayyy!!!

Can you get a goal?
You're playing up front

Lesson Summary

One day, the narrator was approached by the Little League soccer director while watching his son's game at the YMCA. The director asked if the narrator would like to coach, despite the narrator never having coached soccer before. The previous coach was no longer available, so the narrator agreed to step in.

The first practice started with a simple yet engaging question: "Raise your hand if you can get a goal." Three kids raised their hands and were placed in the front, while the rest were assigned to play defense. The narrator emphasized that everyone would have a chance to play goalie until a permanent one was found.

The meeting was brief, efficient, and ended with the team's excitement to start playing. The narrator's approach of simplicity and inclusivity set a positive tone for the new coaching role. With the team ready and eager to play, they all headed onto the field for their first practice together.