I just had another one of those coaching days. I have been helping my son's soccer team this season and our head coach had to go to some kind of national teacher's conference in Washington D.C. this weekend. He asked me to take over, so I have spent the last couple of days taking on-line courses for certification in order to do so.
All season I have been practicing with them. In part to help the team and, in all honesty, in part for the exercise.
Today was my first time being head coach of a soccer team. What an amazing experience. Our first game ended in regulation a tie 1-1. After two 5 minute overtimes we went into penalty kicks. If this is still tied after the first 5 shooters, you continue until the tie is broken. Not only did we win on the 5th kick, but it was this kids first goal of the year !
This put us in the Championship game and they continued to give their all. After 2 of my players were literally carried off the field, one on his way to the emergency room, we lost 4-3. I can't tell you what an honor and priveledge it is to be involved with a group of kids willing to give up their bodies, hearts and souls for a team and to respect me enough to allow me to take part in this with them and give their all. What an amazing day !
Their is a silver lining. In the after game ceremonies it was announced that, although we did not win the championship, we did earn the wild card spot and will be moving on to sectionals along side the park champions.
