We test ourselves everyday. Directly or indirectly we see just how well we can manage ourselves and accomplish tasks. For the youth of this great country, these tests are moments that develop their physical and mental ability. These tests, through trial and error, defeat and success, establish character. These tests, if approached and prepared for, can be a springboard for great accomplishment and confidence. Its our job to help this happen, and not miss an opportunity for children to help themselves grow and become what they so desperately want to be.
For a gifted group of girls I had the honor to coach this last weekend in a soccer tournament, “The Test” became the difference between finishing strong, or not. Playing soccer during the summer in Texas is a test in itself. The oppressing heat, physical endurance, and mental exercise are a laundry list for some significant challenges, especially to nine year olds. Be as it was, the opportunity came for this group to test themselves in the semi finals. They had just lost a game to the champions, and were digging deep to find something within themselves to finish with a win, third place, and confidence within themselves to prove they could turn it around.
Most times, as coaches, these moments are what make the difference. It is our responsibility to ensure players are focused and detemined to accomplish their goals. So, I came up with a motivational talk I share with my daughter, a talk I call ”The Test”. I described to these girls that tournaments and games are a lot like “test days” at school. One example is the vocabulary test. A set of words are given to students to study and master. Then of course they have a test to see how well they’ve learned how to spell the words and use them in a sentence of paragraph. Well, this group of girls aren’t ordinary by a long shot. They work hard on the side, going to soccer camps, group sessions, or training in their backyards with either parents or fellow friends in their neighborhoods. So, to me they study and attempt to master the fundamentals of soccer just as a student masters a set of vocabulary words. This last game, simply put, was their TEST DAY.
Were they up for it, did they rise to the challenge, did they prove to themselves and their fellow players that they had “studied” and had come closer to meeting their individual goals? Only one way to find out, only one way to see, one game left. So, after this talk, the girls went on to win their last game of the tournament in a splendid fashion. Growing as individuals and developing their character along the way, they passed their test. I couldn’t have been any prouder. It wasn’t the win that really mattered, what mattered was how they approached the test. With resolve and determination, with confidence and fun. What more could a coach ask for?
So I close this post one step closer to making a difference. Sure it’s a lofty goal, the health of our youth, and proper development of their ability and character. It’s one such ”test”, my test as a trainer, a coach, and parent, I can’t, and won’t fail. Are you with me?
Sincerely,
Kerry Niemann
