I found myself on a call with my partner, discussing whether we should enroll our 10-year-old son, Alex, in another season of soccer. “I’m feeling pretty worn out from taking him to practice twice a week and losing our Saturdays,” she lamented. I echoed her sentiments, recalling the previous weekend when Alex had two games in different towns. I spent the entire day preparing snacks for his team, driving him to pre-game practice, and juggling logistics between games. By the end of it, I was left with a sweaty, muddy child and both of us were drained.
During our conversation, I was at work while my partner was stuck in our cramped, hot minivan with our 7-year-old daughter, Lily, who was trying to do her homework while her younger brother, Jake, was wreaking havoc in the backseat. Meanwhile, Alex was outside playing soccer at the park.
A significant factor in our reluctance towards sports is our own backgrounds. Neither my partner nor I were particularly athletic. I had played half a season of soccer as a child, along with a bit of baseball, but it was never a choice I made willingly. I was forced into it by my parents and found no joy in it. I was short, had poor hand-eye coordination, and lacked any athletic drive.
Reflecting on my childhood experiences, I remember the jeers I faced for missing catches or kicks, and I often felt inadequate. Youth sports for me conjured images of standing in the outfield, wishing the ball wouldn’t come my way because I was sure I’d miss it. I couldn’t wait for those games to conclude.
My partner had her own reasons for avoiding sports. I recall when we first started dating, she asked if I was into sports, and when I replied with a definitive “No,” she seemed relieved. I assumed that sports would not be a significant part of our lives until Alex, around age 7, expressed his desire to play soccer, inspired by friends who were already active in the game. We had a conversation then, both thinking it would be a fleeting interest. “He’s our child,” my partner remarked. “I doubt he’ll be too keen on sports.”
Clearly, that assumption proved incorrect. Three years later, we found ourselves complaining about the demands of practices and games, debating whether it was worth the effort given our busy schedules.
As my partner paused our conversation to assist Lily with her homework, I reflected on our initial expectations. New parents often believe their children will inherit a blend of their traits, but we underestimated Alex’s individuality. He has a similar stature to me at that age—short, with a stocky build—but he possesses his own interests and motivations, often diverging from mine.
However, when I step back and evaluate the benefits soccer has brought to Alex, I cannot ignore its positive impact, regardless of my own feelings towards sports. When he struggled with his schoolwork, my partner informed him he would need to quit soccer if he didn’t improve. That motivated him to step up. Each season, he forms new friendships, and I can see his coordination and confidence blossoming. Initially, he was just a little boy chasing after a ball, but now he embodies a committed young athlete brimming with determination. Without soccer, he might have defaulted to spending all his time on YouTube and video games.
I have witnessed him confidently challenge boys much larger than himself, fearlessly diving into chaotic plays as a goalie. His determination and self-assurance are undeniable, and I can’t help but feel proud.
For full disclosure, despite attending most of Alex’s games over the last few years, I still struggle to grasp the rules of soccer. I don’t speak the lingo or know any professional players. Yet, what I can clearly see is that soccer is making a significant difference in my son’s life. So, despite my reluctance towards the sport and the hassle of transporting him to practices and games, my partner and I ultimately decided to enroll him for another season.
Why? It’s simple: we are parents. We set aside our personal preferences because we recognize the benefits for our child. Being a parent means standing on the sidelines, clapping and cheering, even when we’re uncertain about the game. It means sacrificing our Saturdays for months—years even—because we see the joy it brings our child. While it can be exhausting, we continue forward, knowing it’s for their well-being.
In conclusion, despite my distaste for sports, I must acknowledge how valuable they have been for my son. They have fostered his growth in ways I could never have anticipated.
Summary
The author, initially indifferent to sports, reflects on the unexpected positive impact soccer has had on his son, Alex. Despite the challenges and exhaustion of attending practices and games, he recognizes the benefits of teamwork, confidence, and personal growth that the sport has instilled in his son. They choose to prioritize Alex’s interests over their own feelings, embodying the essence of parenting.
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