STEYGER’S SOAPBOX – 8.6.14
The Seymour District Junior Football/Netball League continues with Round 8 this weekend and we continue to work together as a football/netball family to ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible.
Each week I take the opportunity through this Football Record to raise a range of subjects that are occurring in our Seymour District Junior Football/Netball League and I would like all coaches, support staff and parents to have a read of the following conversation had by two people regarding the exceptional behaviour and support displayed by 2 junior teams in the Yarra Ranges competition recently.
“I am writing to compliment you on the sportsmanlike way your team played their game last Sunday. One of our players has a slight physical impairment and obviously this puts them at a disadvantage in a game that involves physical contact but despite this they are always prepared to have a go. I was not at the game last week but was thrilled when several people who were there contacted me to report the considerate and thoughtful manner in which this player was treated by the players on your team. In fact, during the match this person kicked their first ever goal playing footy (something that I am sure was facilitated by your players), a feat that was only surpassed by the fact they kicked a second goal later on! Like many I have often despaired at the hyper-competitiveness that seems to prevail in junior sport at the expense of friendship and the simple enjoyment of playing the game. I found it is absolutely refreshing and heart-warming that the kids of your team were able to play in such a good-spirited and sportsmanlike manner. Well done to all concerned! Please accept the thanks of both myself and the community for coaching them and modelling appropriate behaviour for a lovely bunch of kids. Please also thank the players concerned and let their parents know what a great job they have done raising them. Many senior sports competitions could learn a valuable lesson from their example and you should all feel very proud.”
The response was: “It was wonderful to get your email yesterday and I have shared it with the players and their families and the response has been fantastic. The parents of our players are so proud of them and your recognition is very humbling. We learned the story of this player before the season started and I made it a team rule that if they got the ball that we would not tackle and would let them get a kick. The first time we played your club 3 of our players actually played with your team so that we could play and still have a bench for her needs. At half time your team hadn't scored so I spoke to their coach and offered 3 of our better players to play with them in the second half. Your team managed 5 goals in the second half and outscored my team and you could see the improvement in their game immediately. Last Sunday the team rule was that if our team had the opportunity to give the ball to our friend, and I made them aware of the number they were wearing, that we would give them the ball and we hoped that they would have the opportunity to kick a goal. The smile on their face was all the reward that my players needed and they were so happy for them. Some of our players are playing their third season of football but the majority are playing their first as I'm sure are your players as well. In this age group we don't want any of the teams getting smashed every week as it can be disheartening for them and they could lose their enjoyment of the game. My first rule for our players is that they have fun - and seeing the other team have fun as well is part of this. I thank you for your positive feedback - it shows me that I am on the right track as a coach.”
Sometimes we can get caught up in the challenges of life but we also need to take a breath and reflect that sport is primarily about kids having fun.
Good luck to everyone this weekend.
Ray Steyger
President
Seymour District Junior Football/Netball League
Last Modified on 09/06/2015 15:17