It hardly seems there is much of anything that a non-sports type like me might learn from a football coach, but I'm living proof that a football coach can teach plenty that has nothing to do with the gridiron.
I've been thinking a lot about my dad today. He would be 97 today if he were still alive.
My dad was a football coach. I never had much luck with sports, although I was expected to participate back then. (It was very frustrating since I was downright awful!)
However, I learned a whole lot about life from my dad! So did his players!
Optimism! My dad taught his players to believe in successful outcomes. "I can, and I will!"
Empathy! My father taught his players to show empathy for the losing team and, on rare occasions, the winning team. (Our team rarely lost!)
Creativity! Although football players learn drills and plays, there are plenty of times on the field they need to think for themselves and create their own path.
Grit! Playing football involves courage and strength of character. He taught them to work hard to attain their goals. "When the going gets tough, the tough get going!"
Self-Control! Football players need control and discipline to perform as a team. It takes willpower to put personal emotions and impulses aside and focus on the task at hand!
Resilience! No matter how often they were tackled, they got up and tried again!
Wait... those qualities—optimism, empathy, creativity, grit, self-control, and resilience—aren't important skills for all kids to learn?
Although they're not actually part of the curriculum, don't you think these are important for children to learn?
