Respect, humility, fun are key fundamentals

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 09/04/2014 (4363 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

There aren’t many things more truly beautiful than watching your child, or a group of children, running around and having fun. Fun was what our Seven Oaks mini-soccer team was all about this season

Please allow me to introduce to you the 12 wonderful athletes I had the pleasure to coach this winter: Carter is a very kind young man who was always quick to smile. William loved to have fun and always tried really hard. Ariana is strong and always very nice. Malik is a real polite boy who loved playing goalie. Hayden is a good boy who worked hard to improve his game. Jonah is a strong boy who always helped his teammates. Trey is always smiling and loves to play the game. Elliot is a very thoughtful boy who can really kick the ball. Christian likes to laugh, have fun, and is a good boy. Julien is a smart boy who asks questions about the game and works hard. Livia always has a smile and likes pretty headbands. Benjamin is a good boy who asked my favourite question of the year.

After I described what he should try to do as the goalie, Benjamin asked “is it OK if I sing?”

Everyone involved in our league — parents, players, and coaches — were there to have fun and be respectful.

We need more of that in our city. We all need to be more active to help ensure this attitude in our city. No matter the age or the game of our children.

Does that sound fair? Is that something we can work together to achieve?

Please, let’s make sure we as parents and coaches instill the most important teachings in our young athletes — respect and humility. .

“OK team, ready to go play? Come here, gather up! C’mon! Ready?

“One, two, three, have fun!”

Former Winnipeg Blue Bombers kicker Troy Westwood is co-host of The Big Show, every weekday morning from 6 to 10 a.m. on TSN 1290 radio. He writes about Winnipeg’s unsung sports heroes every other week in the Canstar Community News weeklies.