Soccer coach finds time spent doesn’t equal connection
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A father in the United States began coaching his nine-year-old son’s soccer team hoping to increase their time together, but discovered he was giving his full attention to other players.
He initially believed that simply being present at practices and games would strengthen their bond, especially as his son entered an age where he was less inclined to seek out family time.
However, the father quickly learned that his role as coach demanded his focus be divided among all the players, managing their needs and the expectations of their parents. He deliberately avoided showing favouritism toward his son, often pushing him harder and offering less encouragement than he gave to other children. This meant that by the end of each session, the father had depleted his patience and emotional energy, leaving little for his own son during the drive home.
He realised that while they spent significant time together, his son received a less engaged and supportive version of him than the other players. The father is now considering whether to continue coaching, weighing the benefits of being involved against the cost to his connection with his son. He hopes to find a way to coach while preserving some emotional reserves for his child.
