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I Believe in Teaching Young Men Values
by Jeff Summerhays
I believe the rising generation has many problems ahead of them. The biggest problems I see revolve around their core values, character, and poor self image. They are bombarded with a society that gives them a list full of things that are more important than their own self worth. Money, they are told, is the most important thing in life. Integrity takes a back seat to what ever it took to get them the money. They are taught the more beautiful you look, the more attention you get; it is better go with the flow than to stand for what you believe in.
Some of the biggest things in my life that has helped me overcome these obstacles are sports. Over the last ten years I have played many sports for fun and in leagues, and they have all helped me. Nothing can compare to the foundation that was laid when I played little league football. I learned how individual efforts come together and make a difference for a team. I learned it is better to try and give it your all, and to lose than to not try at all. I learned that by overcoming obstacles and stretching yourself, you will become a better person.
Twelve years later, I find myself on the other end of the coin the coach. I now have the responsibility to try to teach twelve year old boys these same principles. They find themselves at a very unfamiliar stage in their lives. They are experiencing changes in their bodies, most are starting Jr. High School, and all of them are trying to find out who they really are. It is funny to look at the kids and see how society has affected each one. There are some who come thinking practice is a fashion show; whether it is new cleats, a visor for their helmet, or an Under-Armor shirt, they have to show something off. Others come to practice and find it easier to criticize other players and pull them down, rather than to evaluate their own game to find things to improve on. There are always one or two kids who have their head in the clouds spending the full two hours wondering what their mom is going to have on the table for dinner.
As a coach, I can see myself twelve years younger in each one of these boys. I accept the fact out of our 21 players, less than 8 will continue to play through High School, and I wouldn't guess any of them will play in college. This being said, I believe it is my responsibility to teach these boys life skills disguised as the game of football. As I do this they will learn that success comes by working as a team, but at the same time, if the individual doesn't perform his responsibility, than the team will not be successful. By giving each of them personal responsibilities, it helps them understand accountability and helps build self esteem. During practices I also try to get the boys to build each other up which helps them respect others. This is also important because we have kids from all back grounds and they normally would not have tried to get to know each other.
To most people football is something they watch on TV or a game to play with friends. But I see it as much more than that. I see it as a life building experience for many young men. I believe if I could help other coaches to see pass the wins and losses, watch the boys learn those much needed life skills, and develop into men, this game would change.
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