Of the many joys a coach dad can enjoy in coaching, possibly none is more enjoyable than a young "unschooled"....eager and rough-hewn seventh grader who has no real understanding of soccer. From that point in preseason this particular tough-as-nails, strong football player was a "go-getter" who had no clue about soccer try outs and what was involved in playing soccer.

I'll use "N" as his cover name as he was in my homeroom, and for weeks I had announcements...both posted and on in-school TV reminding potential candidates of the upcoming day of soccer try outs...!! On the last day before soccer try outs were to be held, this talkative, yet likable, young seventh grader immediately awakened to my soccer try out announcement and wanted to participate. Knowing that he was "clueless," yet realizing he was spirited and already had a required physical from football in the AD's office, I thought to myself, "Why not?"

After checking with him and double questioning him and trying to make soccer clear as I could to him, I tried to explain what was expected of the guys trying out. To make a long story short, he made the team....and we worked repetitively on basic skills and teamwork. Knowing that "N" was a raw soccer talent, I made emphasis on ball control....carrying or dribbling the ball.... fighting for the ball.... protecting the ball.... chesting and trapping the ball.... heading and kicking the soccer ball.... and positioning.

Within about 3-4 games, "N" had begun to "come around." He seemed to be a quick learner by exhibiting the skills and the and energy he had previously shown at football last fall. Granted...he was not an elaborately fancy or skilled soccer player, but to this coach he was aggressive...hustling....and actually displaying the things he had been studying from this coach. The fact that he watched...listened... seriously learned.....and put the learned skills and soccer moves to work made a positive and real impact on this coach. This athlete actually made some key soccer plays and carried (dribbled) the ball upfield as he was instructed. These learned "habits" caught this coach's attention immediately.

Things like a raw talented young man who watched and learned and desired to do his best are the meaningful aspects of coaching middle school that make coaching worthwhile.