An Outstanding Run By A Six Year Old!

Here is a touching story I witnessed yesterday.

I went to a PJC youth football game to see an old friend resurrect his coaching "career" with his youngest child, who is six years old. It was interesting to watch these little guys actually make plays at such a young age. I really didn't think it was possible to get six year olds to pay enough attention to even show up for practice.

There were a few memorable plays, but one in particular stood out. One of the kids got a hand off and sprinted about thirty yards towards the goal line. Everyone was cheering, as he approached a certain touchdown. Just before crossing the goal line, the child tripped and was down about a foot short.

From the reaction of the boy's mother, you would have thought the kid ran down the field in the wrong direction. Instead of praising her child for an outstanding run, the mother started yelling across the field that he should stay on his feet. She was flipping out that he didn't score. At first, those around her thought she was joking. But it soon became apparent she wasn't. She actually talked about some sort of discipline.

How is that for a heartwarming story? How many think this kid will be screwed up? I am quite sure there were no NFL scouts watching the Mighty Mites!

I've coached youth sports for the better part of the last twenty years and the most common complaint amongst my fellow coaches had to do with parents. It is unfortunate these parents don't realize the damage they do to their kids.