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y r T Everything By Anna Osborn, LMFT, Relationship Therapist and Coach
I’m coaching U10 soccer this fall. If you know me (and you just laughed out loud) let me repeat this… I’m coaching U10 soccer this year. I signed my daughter up late…really, really late for soccer. The plan was to register her very early on so I could still take advantage of the discounted rate. However, since I kept putting it off, not only did I miss any chance at a discount, I also barely made the cut off to get her in for the 2021 season. Well as you would expect, approximately 24 hours after I registered her (and felt very proud of myself for finally completing that task), I received an email letting me know that I was one of 23 other parents whose players didn’t have a coach and if no parent stepped up, then I’d be receiving a refund and my kid wouldn’t be paying soccer this year. And that is exactly how I became the U10 soccer coach for the Goal Getters. 50. ardentforlife.net - Autumn 2021
I’m all heart and no knowledge. The last time I interacted with soccer in ANY capacity was approximately 37 years ago when I was in kindergarten. So, there you have it. I’m coaching U10 soccer. And because I tend to see the world through relationships (occupational hazard I know) here are the four relationship lessons I’ve learned from trying something new.
First, when you’re really new at something and really nervous AND admit it…people are pretty understanding. I introduced myself via email and in person to all the parents by letting them know that I am a Rookie soccer player. I have coached before and been around sports all my life, but I know zilch about soccer. And you know what…every single one of them have been kind. They haven’t laughed as I’ve ran some questionable drills or when all my incompetence’s were on display at our first scrimmage.
They all supported me because I told them I was trying and could only get better.
And I really believe the same is true in love. When you’re nervous and unsure and trying to learn new ways to communicate or share your feelings, your partner will be much more patient and understanding when you admit that this is new and scary and show that you’re trying. Good things come when you admit you don’t have it all together. Second, don’t underestimate the power of research and asking questions. I cannot even begin to explain how may YouTube videos I’ve watched on soccer drills, practice plans and trying to understand why offsides is even a rule. I’ve reached out to a few friends that have played and coached soccer and I have asked all the questions and listened to all of the advice. Because without that, I’d be just as clueless as when I started in August.