I setup some EXTRA matches this saturday and then may 4th, out of my own pocket. my own time.... with the express purpose of giving the younger/less developed kids some play time with similar skill levels. bringing kids UP from the 10 and under level.
Designed to develop lower kids without holding back the better ones, like we discussed here. Troubled kid the MAIN target. as he could use some success when he does the work... he is ill-equipped to deal with adversity, especially when its his own issues.
I need 9 kids to play. I get a notification today that only 2 coming from the level below. (i expected 6)
Troubled kid, I asked his "mom" last week. "yes well be there, thanks for doing this for him" Today "Oh were out of town for easter" along with 2 other cancellations.
from my team, i have 4 I expected 7
so I have 6 kids where I expected 13 lol Im bringing my better players... my son included. guess well just smash the competeition and ill look like a douche. but oh well. Maybe thatll be good for their little egos. lol
As far as Xach goes, thought he was getting better..... Then, yesterday was the first time I felt "this is a waste of time, nothing I can do for this kid" and I feel bad about it....
showed up to practice, late. his "dad" 60 years old now, gently pushing him "you wanted to come, go play" he comes out, plays for a few minutes, then just stands there looking at the ground, shruggin. I engage him. "I don't feel comfortable on this team now. i'm having some discomfort, don't really feel like trying"
I Push a little. 2 minutes later, whips off his shinguards, cleats, walks off barefoot.
came back 15 minutes later and practiced.... half-a$$ed.
I messaged the mom asking how he was doing, told her he had a rough day... well they have custody now, but its going really poorly she said. Therapy twice a week....
oof.....