Coaches and Parents - please read carefully.

This letter was received by The Montgomery (MD) Soccer Inc. Newsletter.

"PLEASE LISTEN TO ME MOM & DAD"

Dear Mom and Dad,

I’m writing this letter because you’ve always told me to tell you if something bothered me. This has been on my mind a lot, but I can’t get myself to talk about it.

Remember, the other day when my team was playing? I hope you won’t get mad, but you kind of embarrassed me. I missed a shot on goal because my opponent was right on me. I felt bad about that, but even worse when you yelled at the referee.

Actually, the challenge was fair, and he made me slip. Later in the game, when the coach took me out so Josh could play, I felt bad that you got down on the coach, because he’s trying to do a good job. He really loves soccer and coaching.

Dad, I know you want me to be a good player, and I really try as hard as I can. But I guess I can’t measure up to what you want me to be. The way you act when I don’t do good makes me feel like I’ve let you down. On the way home the other day, you didn’t speak to me. I guess you were mad at me for messing up. You made me feel like I never want to play again.

I’m not very good, but I love to play and be with the other kids. But it seems the only time you’re happy is when I do really good, even though you say sports is supposed to be fun and to learn. I want to have fun… but you keep taking it away. I didn’t know you were going to get so upset because I’m not a star.

This is really hard, and that’s why I have to write it to you. I used to be really happy you came to my games. Some kids’ parents never show up. But, maybe it would be better if you stopped coming, so I wouldn’t have to worry about disappointing you.

Love, Mike

(Postscript: Please listen to your kids. They want to play for FUN.)

Thanks to the Montgomery (MD) Soccer Inc. Newsletter for republication of this letter.