Happiness is an Unexpected Hug
20 plus years ago I was Coach of the Under 16 and then Under 18 Boys Select Soccer team in Ross Valley, CA. I had young men on the team from the US, France, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Africa and Korea and the Caribbean.
In the 1993-1994 season, “the Raiders Football Club” had games on weekends for 4 months plus and the players also participated in 2 times a week High School soccer for their teams. This was a special group, diverse in culture and socio-economic status and going through the challenges of being High School Juniors and Seniors. All were maturing and experiencing the pressures of peers and society.
During this time, the Raiders Football Club became the Champions of their league and were ranked #4 in the State of California, Under 18 group. They became a “family” during this Championship Season.
At our end of season celebration, I wondered aloud and also asked, that when I see my players 20 years from now, I expect a “hug” and will they remember to give me a “hug”. I shared with them that as we all go through “life”, there are very few times that one can be a “Champion” and although early in age, they remember this season and this time, as no one can ever take it away from them.
This past weekend, along with previous times, I saw two of my players at a wedding. As we saw each other, both came up to me, gave me a “hug” and said thank you and I always remember my team and those years.
I take pride that these young men were able to experience and earn “respect” on the field of battle. Although not as skilled as most of the teams, they were tenacious, competitive and learned about what it means to be a “team”.
Along with my adult son, who still gives his Dad hugs and kisses, it is very rewarding and provides a sense of satisfaction that these young men remember to give you that “hug”.
Leave a Reply