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Behind door 20 is parents living vicariously through their children. In America, we live a fantastical life of make believe. We all think we're special and destined for success. Then something unfair happens, and we never achieve that destiny. Our kids become our vanity projects.
The worst piece of coaching advice I ever received was to imagine kids have "make me feel important" written on their foreheads. I'm now much wiser. You see, that advice applies to the parents. Parents are the customers. We tailor the experience to them.
Are we taking the children to a prestigious out of state tournament so that they can improve their soccer? No. We're taking the parents so that they can brag about their kids in the following weeks at work and on social media.
What difference will three or four games of same shit different state make to our kids? Zero. But taking the parents to Orlando, Memphis, Dallas, Chicago, LA, or Boston? That will make a huge difference to our bank balance, now, and for years to come.
Parents are the ones with the wallets. American kids have no agency over their journeys. We want to sell you this kind of soccer mom bullshit. It's a lifestyle, and you are desperate to inform others of how amazing a parent you are.
When I see this kind of shit, I cringe so hard I puke my ass out my mouth. We're selling cheap virtue signalling shit to people who are mentally ill, and don't know any better. But we'll prey on your desperate need for attention to increase our bank balance.
The dads are even worse. Our touchlines are lined by middle aged men playing soccer coach cosplay. So many dads are dressed like coaches, fans, and even players, after raiding our club merch. It's so bad we even made a "coach" t-shirt.
All of these guys were almost pro.
All of these guys were almost pro.
Many defend their behavior to drop $30 on an embarrassing t-shirt about how their offspring is a star, by saying they are simply expressing their love. This is key to a fundamental flaw in our society.
Love is something you do, repeatedly, every day. Even when others can't see.
Love is something you do, repeatedly, every day. Even when others can't see.
Love is sacrifice, commitment, support, listening, helping, providing, and so much more. Do that. Be there for your kid. Listen to them. Help them build the tools to survive for when the day comes that you are no longer there.
Screaming from the sidleines is about you, not them.
Screaming from the sidleines is about you, not them.
