Never in my life have I witnessed – at junior amateur level (under 10) – such ghastly behaviour where a laser beam was shone in the eyes of a goalkeeper. And that, at a youth tournament where fun and enjoyment were the main focus.
And to top it off, it was done by seven or eight-year-olds, obviously following instructions from a parent (s). This sounds far-fetched and ridiculous, but it happened right in front of me.
That’s how low some have stooped as they are driven by the win-at-all-cost factor.
What is even more disturbing was that when these youngsters (shining the lasers) were asked to refrain and to leave their position next to the goalpost inside the playing area, some parents got defensive and aggressive, completely ignoring the wrongdoing of their children.
One wonders if the children were acting upon instructions of a parent or if they were doing it on their own?
What I do know however is that parents, and coaches (excluding the good ones) have completely lost the plot when it comes to actual support.
It is evident that they have also lost the true meaning of the word support.
Support does not just mean that parents must be present at soccer fields and cheer them on, but not to interfere and to know their place.
Sadly to say, the morals and ethics outside the football (and sporting) space are dying out.
This is probably the only postmortem that was prevalent when the curtain dropped on the Spar Rygate LFA CUBS Festival for under-6 to under-10 players.
And yes, there were quite a few queries and concerns about results and log positions, all of which further show this win-at-all-costs attitude.
Others will probably disagree, but why focus on the limited challenges when there were so many positives.
Well done the Rygate LFA and the Spar Mookrey Group for having the insight to support this wonderful occasion.
The VIP’s the festival attracted over the five days is testimony that your LFA are leading the way!
One Response
What’s happened at the Rygate tournament is not a surprise at all. One actually finds this in all spheres of life. Finite wisdom and obstinate stupidity have no place on the sports field. We live in times where lack of parental skills, accompanied by an absolute overwhelming competitive spirit, contribute to an unhealthy state of affairs. A win-at-all-cost approach turns normality into madness. How does one explain that it is rational to have under 6s to under 10s exposed to disputes between parents which turn ugly. Charity starts at home. Parents should look at themselves in the mirror, point a finger, and the only finger they will see, is their own finger. Stop the blame game, take responsibility and remember to be reasonable. Curb your instincts and act for the common good of all and sundry.