Wow, where do I start with this one. I’ve had a bunch of kids together since they were 4 years old. I’m just a dad of one of the kids who stepped forward when no one else would.

The Diary of a Grassroots Coach…..

I said from the start that all kids would get the same game time and all kids would play in all positions regardless.

They are now u7s and interact socially away from football and the team are all best friends.

Results wise we win some we lose some, to me I’m trying to build children’s social skills with team play and sport.

This past weekend it was one of the lads birthdays and we were all invited, I thought everything was fine and the parents were happy as no one had said anything to the contrary. I was very wrong.

Half way through the party 2 of the mums and 1 of the dads began to, what I can only describe as “interrogate” me.

They compared my team to every other team in the league, criticised my coaching methods and the red rag to a bull. My decision to give equal time and rotate positions.

This was all in front of my wife and elder daughter, I reminded them that it was a team decision to do this and nobody had mentioned it before, I was told I was playing these kids “out of position” and “losing crucial games”

My response was to laugh, and say “I think your taking kids football at little to seriously”

This turned into a tirade of abuse, some quite personal. I will be honest it cut straight through my heart as I give so much time and effort it felt cruel to have it thrown back at me.

I left immediately with my wife and children who were distraught how I was treated in such a public way, in fairness 2 of the parents rang me later and apologised, but 1 refused and took her son to another team.

That night I was so hurt and questioned why I was putting myself out, I then looked back at the positive impact I have had on these kids and the role model I have been and thought, damn right I will continue. Come on the weekend!!!!