Our Best Holiday Gift ... So Far!
Our three boys, Troy, Raymond, and Ryan really enjoy soccer. As much time as we are around soccer coaches and competitive clubs, Theresa and I were still surprised when Raymond's U-11 San Diego Soccer Club Coach, John Napier announced to the team, "I will be providing player evaluations to the kids and their parents today". That part was not surprising. What surprised us is what he said next, "It will take about twenty or thirty minutes per child".
Thirty minutes per child? Most coaches hand out an evaluation and say, "See me if you have any questions". I started to calculate in my mind before quickly transitioning to the calculator on my Iphone. 30 minutes per child and there are fifteen kids on our team and John has a minimum of 2 teams. That equals to about 15 hours of sitting down with kids and their parents.
I'm not the brightest, but even I know that SD Soccer Club is not paying Coach John Napier anymore for his additional time. John must really love coaching, love kids, and/or loves soccer. I pick answer (D) ... All the above.
John is not a first year coach. He has been doing this for a very long time and has played at the highest levels of English Premier League Soccer, (Click her for some history of John Napier).
We sat down with Raymond as John prepared to speak. We asked to take the above photograph and John agreed. In the counselling session John went over every aspect our son's play including leadership and attitude. Un-rushed, he paused several times when he would ask Raymond a question. It was not a, "courtesy pause". It was a ten second time period or more of silence as he waited patiently for a response from our son. In this world of texting and instant communication sometimes it takes an 11 year old, or anyone else, a few moments to develop an answer.
It was then I realized the gift that John was giving our family and our team. As we sat near, "the pitch" as our friends across the pond describe a soccer field, with kids running around and the sound of soccer acting as a backdrop, John was completely focused on our son. His words as usual, were caring, patient, professional, and wrapped beautifully in the most precious commodity of all... TIME. There was no bow on his present but his gift had a significant impact on all of the parents as well as the kids. One parent commented admiringly, "John said things about our son only us as parents should know. It was amazing". Most people when they become successful and established they have little time for ten year old children trying to find their way. On behalf of all the many kids you coach,have coached, your gift of time and caring is deeply appreciated. You are developing some pretty darn good soccer players, but even more importantly, you are building young men and women who will be better prepared to face the challenges of life. Thank you.
Enjoy the Holiday Season,
Ray and Theresa Shay
Ray and Theresa Shay
