As we pass the mid-stage of the first semester, I thought I would share some of my experiences so far as a new football coach at IFS.
The past few weeks have been extremely challenging due to the weather, but a real effort has been made by the students and staff to ensure that valuable time is not wasted. On this note, I would like to discuss a realisation I have come to as a result of working with my group on a daily basis.
Unlike other football experiences I have had as a coach, I have been able to observe the students in various environments outside of the training field. This includes their interactions as college mates prior and after training sessions, their interactions with other adults and teachers and how they engage in the classroom in their learning environments.
During this period I have noticed the overlap of various themes that are prevalent in football and in everyday activities. Football is an opportunity to complement much of the learning that the students engage in throughout the college day.
As an example, invariably, each training session finishes with some form of small-sided match where the students are mixed into teams and forced to work together in their quest to win. Recently two students had previously clashed during one of these games, showing frustration toward each other as many opponents often do. However, the following day these two opponents were on the same team and they were provided the opportunity to work together in their quest for a common ‘goal’. I have seen moments where adults have had the same opportunity to mend frustrations from the past, but failed to do so. However, these two eleven year olds put their past issues aside and worked together (to score a magnificent team goal at one stage). I was so impressed by this event that it made me a little embarrassed at the way I may have personally dealt with a similar situation in the past.
Similarly, football provides the opportunity for students to try their ‘best’ in a competitive environment, with no fear of failure or other concerns that often put individuals off giving their all due to the potential vulnerability attached. I believe this is an extremely important lesson for all of us, and am encouraged by the response of the students and their attitude in performing to their greatest potential.
These are just two examples of the times where I have seen life lessons transpire on the football field. It is my hope that such great lessons continue to provide themselves to students to learn purely through their own participation and journeys.
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