I was very interested to read the report from the MCC (a cricketing body) on the behaviour of youngsters. It said that far too many are disrespectful to opponents, lose their tempers, throw wobblies and show off.
We are very “lucky” in our club (I put “lucky” in inverted commas because I believe we make our own luck). Your coaches and the adults that help them all say what a pleasure it is to work with such a wonderful bunch of youngsters. You respect us, work hard, listen to advice, help and advise those of lesser ability and we enjoy having each and everyone of you on board. I was thrilled when the Mum of a newcomer e-mailed me after her first visit to club, especially to say how welcome she and her daughter had been made.
Whilst generally I am impressed by the temperaments of the majority of our players I do know that one or two of you get wound up on occasions. To you I would mention the following.
Firstly, playing for Lillington Free Church is a long term venture. We do want you to try your best to win BUT it is what you do in 5, 10 years time that is important. Do not put undue pressure on yourself. The best 11 year olds do not always prove to be the best 20 year olds.
Secondly, if you lose your temper or shout out loud after every point the only “winner” is your opponent who knows he has got you rattled. When I started (around the age of 17) I was known to lose my temper, sulk after a defeat or even throw the odd bat. When I became a teacher I realised that I could not behave like that as I was a role model (Wayne Rooney please note). I kept calm and my League results improved beyond all recognition!
I would next like to mention a conversation I had with one of our older teenagers. His table-tennis career is coming along well. He has every chance of progressing through the 3-a-side Leagues and becoming a first division player. However, he has expressed an interest in coaching and the club will support him in taking his badges. I also floated to him the idea of joining our committee. I hope some of you realise that if we are to become the best club we can be, we not only need top players but top coaches and administrators and as you get older I hope you will find a way of giving something back, regardless of what ability you have as a player. I am confident we will find those people because one of the things that impresses me most about our club is the willingness of our youngsters (and adults) to help one another, to spend time with players of a lower standard.We welcome Eve Briscoe to our club and look forward to Tom Harris joining us in May.
Phil
