The Pride and Joy of Watching My Son Excel in High School Football
As a high school football mom, there is such an awesome blend of joy and pride that truly fills my heart every time he runs onto the football field. His journey in football has been one of the honest to God, the greatest joys of my life. Being able to witness the hard work and dedication is such a rewarding experience. It could be football or it could be an instrument. Seeing them fall in love with something and work hard with every ounce of their being is incredible.
The Early Days Before High School Football
I still remember on October 30th, 2007 at my ultrasound when Dr. Norton said “Looks like it’s a boy” one of the things I looked most forward to was him playing football. We are a football family. When he was a little boy and would have so much energy running back and forth in the living room with an oversized helmet and a football. I saw a spark in that little boy’s eyes. That spark has done nothing but grow into a blazing passion for the sport. From early on football became a huge part of our lives. It’s something that brings us together as a family.
The Hard Work and Dedication
Watching my son commit to his training and practice has been inspiring to watch. Early morning workouts, late-night practice sessions, and countless hours spent perfecting his skills in high school football have shown me and everyone around him his dedication. Something that amazes me to see a teenager have. All of the literal blood sweat and tears. Every bruise and torn muscle is just another testament to his hard work and dedication to his craft.
Game Days = All Of The Emotions For Mom
High school football game days are always full of emotions. For all of us. (I get really into them. I am THAT mom). When I see him with that jersey on I get goosebumps because I know the chills and anticipation he’s feeling. The anticipation builds as the game gets close, and once the whistle blows, my heart races with every play. The moments of pride, when he runs a great route, scores a touchdown, or gets a pick, give me chills. Then there are the setbacks or challenges. Dropped balls, missed tackles those bring tears to my eyes. I feel the wins and losses with my entire heart.
Football Because The Lessons Off The Field
Football as a whole but especially high school football has taught my son so much more than just the rules of the game. It’s instilled in him values. Teamwork, leadership, and discipline. These lessons go far beyond the field and into his daily life. Football has truly helped mold him into the person he is today. Grades, respect, personal relationships… I believe he strives in those things because of football. Football has given him a sense of responsibility and maturity and that will serve him in all aspects of his life.
The Bond We Share
Obviously, he and my husband talk far more about the X’s and O’s but I know that he rides home with me after the losses because I am mom. I will be more neutering than Dad. We do share in the highs and lows or the drama that happened at practice or during the games. The victories, the defeats, I am there with him and it’s one of my favorite parts of our relationship. We share a passion for the sport I have never played. Memories though, that will last a lifetime.
The Future = Endless Possibilities
As my son continues to excel in high school football, I can’t help but dream about what a future he could have. College football? Division 1 Football? If he has the blessing and opportunity to play at the college level or takes the lessons he’s learned from football into other aspects of his life, I know his future is bright. He is going to be a Sophomore and his second year on the varsity high school football team this year and I will pray daily that in 3 years I am updating this post that he is doing whatever makes him happy and fills his heart.
Being A Football Mom Isn’t For Everyone
Being a football mom is unique… it’s scary and fun and stressful and amazing. It’s an experience that I will cherish forever. It’s a journey filled with hard work, dedication, and so many unforgettable moments. As I cheer from the sidelines (loud and obnoxious), my heart is so full of pride, knowing that I am witnessing my son’s growth and success, both on and off the field. Bring on fall and bring on high school football.
5 Life Lessons From Coaching Youth Sports
The Meaning of Hard Work
There’s no better feeling than working tirelessly for something you really want, and then accomplishing it. Especially if you are an underdog. You learn to enjoy the struggle. It makes the reward that much sweeter. The most valuable lesson from this piece is that once you dedicate yourself to putting in whatever it takes, this becomes a mindset. No win comes for free. You aren’t entitled to playing time. Both of those must be earned. There’s nothing wrong with reminding yourself of that while preaching to your kids about how to get playing time.
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The Importance of Exercise
Your definition of exercise might be a sweaty cardio workout in the gym. But as a coach, exercise has a broad meaning. Certainly, getting yourself outside with a team and teaching them the importance of stretching and preparing your body is essential to physical success. Coaching a sport like football, for example, your two hours a day on the field are laser-focused on just that. There, you are giving yourself some mental exercise, taking a break from all the other work, stress, or life-circumstances. You can forget everything else when you hit the field, court, or rink.
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Treat Everyone The Same, But Coach Them Differently
Whether you manage a soccer team or a sales team, you’re leading a collection of individuals. What makes your top performer tick is not the same as what makes a lesser player (or employee) with potential, tick. This lesson centers around relationship-building and listening. How you run your team is about you, and how your players apply these guidelines is about them.
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Nobody Is Going Pro At 10 Years Old...
…Nor are they getting a full scholarship offer to a top NCAA college at this age. You may see things in your kid or another on the team where your experience makes you think a certain player has a shot at the big time. But that time is not right now. Your coaching duty is to give the best experience possible to your players. How does creating an entire game plan around one super-talented 10-year old give the other 20 kids a fair chance? How does it give them a memorable experience? Or something to build off for next year. Or confidence. Again, those refereeing your games are most likely high school or college kids themselves. They’re just trying to work and earn some money. Again, cut them some slack.
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You Matter
Your tone in addressing your players, the refs, and the other team matters, too. Be cognizant of how you deliver your messages. You may have an incredibly impactful point to make, but if you don’t articulate it correctly, and cater to your audience, it can be useless. Coaching youth sports is about the overall experience, not the final score, and not the final record. Your stats don’t matter, your voice does.
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