Team

While there’s no “I” in “team”, there’s also no “U”. I came up with that retort years ago after hearing the “There’s no ‘I’ in team” statement one too many times. I’m at a point now where I’m getting sick of young egotistical soccer players I encounter regularly. Especially the ones that have parents that think their kid is the best player ever and that they know everything about soccer because they’re child has been playing since they were little. That’s still only a fraction of the amount of time I’ve been playing organized ball (which is less than a lot of players I’ve met over the years). You don’t know everything and I’ve seen a lot better players than your kid, so get over it.

I’ve decided to do something about the whining and ego-driven players I’ve been stuck playing with this summer. I’m going to do something I said I would never do again. I’m going to try managing a team. I haven’t done it in over a decade because it’s costly and a lot of work. I don’t see any way around it though. I know of at least half a dozen good players that don’t want to play with the spoiled brats any more either. I’m betting that there are more and I just have to dig a little to find them. I’ve begun emailing a few to gauge interest, and based on their responses I’ll either do it or drop it. So far I’ve gotten two resounding “yes” responses – I only sent three emails to date. The one "I can't" response is due to a move out of state for a new job. He said he would otherwise be on board.

My mind is already churning on possible sponsors to help pay for the jerseys and/or team fee. If it works out, I may find it to be a better experience this time around. The guys I’m gathering together (maybe a few girls too) are older, skilled players that want to play competitively AND have a good time. Most, if not all, work full-time and have families. So commitment is more serious with them than the beer drinking, college party kids I’ve been playing with that sometimes show up still recovering from hangovers. I didn’t even do that when I was their age – sad.