Speak free

football parents

Having been involved in kids sunday league football now for over 15 years I am constantly surprised by the Parents /supporters behaviour and attitudes when it comes to their little darlings.

Many a cold and windy sunday morning I have stood on a wet, muddy pitch struggling to put up goal nets and corner flags, tie shoe laces pump up balls and even on a few occasions wipe runny noses. Then about 2 mins before the whistle blows out of the warm, cozy clubhouse come the parents. Wrapped up in their fleece lined quilted coats, hats, gloves and scarves they congregate on the side line and complain about everything for the next 60 mins.

’My boy doesn’t play left back, my boy isn’t a striker, my boy isn’t getting the ball, why isn’t my boy in the starting line-up. Referee- come on what was that!!’

If the team are losing the voices become stronger and more forceful and then it’s always the Managers fault. If the team are winning though it’s always their boys contribution that’s the major factor. half time and the majority of them skip back to the clubhouse for a warm drink and a burger. Leaving me and the Manager to open 15 drink bottles, pass out paper towels and snacks, tie up the shoe-laces, wipe the noses and in some cases take them to the toilet.

The second half is much as the first, lots of shouting and bickering. The final whistle blows and the parents are off, running away from the pitch as fast as they can. Leaving me to take down the nets, pick up the balls, gather up the muddy wet kit and pick up any coats left behind. Come Monday morning when the parents are at work you can bet your life they’re telling the tales of how they’re always there for Juniors football and how parents should get involved with their children’s activities. Well there’s involved and there’s involved- I know what I think!!