Finish till the end, don't give up

Few years back, my son was in an under 14s soccer team. In one game, his team had to play the top team which has never lost before. My son did not start and was frustrated watching the game as a sub while his team mates were being crushed by the other team. He told me, also watching the game from the sideline, that he thought his team mates were giving up too soon. By the first half, his team lost 5-0 and one of them was even an own goal When the second half started, the coach played my son. As a fresh leg, I could see he was on fire. Within few minutes, he scored. Well, that was enough to boost up the other players too. All the sudden they were all playing hard again. The game ended with a draw. I didn't know what the coach said at half time; but whatever it was must have been emphasizing that they should all stick to do their best till the end. Even if they did not win, that game inspired the team for the rest of the season. They never again have this 'giving up' attitude no matter how tough the opponent might be on paper. After the game, the coach did tell me that he had never seen my son so fired up before.

I think you summed up the spirit of football. I think football is all about competing and not giving up. I think kids do get frustrated at times, and it is up to us to get them into this spirit. Hopefully that is something that can be easily achieved at a younger age with a bit of counseling. Cheers! Ram

The beauty about soccer and sports in general is that while you might lose the game, one can still enjoy the process of it. As for your nephew and his team, they have to be install with the attitude of giving their best regardless of the result. This mentality is applicable outside of sports.

that is a good idea. because i know we can win it if we have that drive and determination to win the game. i am glad that you support him.

Giving our best in everything that we do whatever it is.Whether we win or lose in the end at least we do our very best.Life is not only just winning but losing too which teach and give us lessons to win the next time around.

Everyone knows that it's all about giving our all. But, children have that strong need inside them to achieve success. Hell, it could strong than some grown-ups even! Have you ever seen how your child reacts when he wins in a thing he likes? He wants the same to happen in everything he does! But, it is essential for them to learn they can't always win. It's better to remind them that they should enjoy the teamwork with their friends and also the fun of soccer. It's hard and will take a lot of time, but eventually, children learn about it. Don't force it on too hard. When they're in a good understanding mood, you can tell them something related to it. Like a story in which the moral should be to have fun and not always win. Make sure the story's interesting, so it remains with the child forever! :D

I agree with your statement... If I were playing the sport - I wouldn't go down without a fight! And besides, it's not about WINNING per say (and kids need to know this) - it's about giving it your all and being at 100% you know? And of course having a good time. Winning isn't everything, that's for sure!

first it was good if you can teach them about sportmanship, respect the opponent and do their best effort... and it can be done with sport so thats sport benefit for me.. i try to all my ability for winning and did not easily give up until the game was ended and if iam lost after i try with all my capability, i must say to my opponent , you are better than me.. so maybe you must teach your nephew team.. do they had a coach?? or maybe you are the coach of your nephew team??

I agree with you, my brother also is playing table tennis, so every time he needs to compete I encourage him that he can do that and I tell him that win or lose at least he tried he's best.

Sportsmanship is easier to instill when a person is young. The never give up attitude, do your best, respect your opponents, play by the rules etc are just qualities to differentiate a sportsman as great or just good. Little children are more practical than adults. They will stop the minute they feel that they could not do it. I guess it is just an instinct. But they have not learned that, by persistence, we could still change the outcome if we work hard enough. That is the job of the coach and parents to teach the kids such virtue which will benefit the kid for the rest of his life.