Great article on “The life and times of an underage manager”
He looks at the clock in work it’s 4:30 he needs to be in the pitch an hour before everyone else. Put the nets up, mark out the field, sort out the jerseys, fill out the team sheet,fill the water bottles make sure he has the first aid kit, he won’t have any dinner today or get to spend some time with his own kids. He sent out the texts last night only a few replied back “can’t they just let me know, will I have enough” he thinks. The cars arrive the parents ask “what time is thrown in at” “half 6” “grand we’ll be back then” the car speeds off probably to go home for their dinner. He was hoping they might stay and give a hand but some people are just to busy.
He picks the team, he doesn’t want to leave anybody on the line, he’s feeling guilty “everyone will get a game” he tells the players , some players are happy others look upset and he insures them they’ll play. Some lads are nervous he calms them down and tells them to “go out and enjoy it lads and try your best” He knows some parents won’t be happy their child isn’t starting .
As he walks to the field he can hear some people commenting ” my lad shouldn’t be there” “he shouldn’t be starting” ” he’s only starting because he’s friends with his father” they whisper. The manager keeps his focus on the match. The game is going well he gives everyone a run. The ref blows for full time, he gathers the players around tells them all they played great, he doesn’t mention the mistakes “ye gave it yer all lads well done and thanks for coming along” the players have to go as some parents are in a rush to go home. “Don’t forget we’re training on Thursday” the manager says as the parents drive off “sure I can’t be asking them” he thinks “they have to rush home” As the pitch empties he carry’s the spare hurleys, the water bottles and first aid. The nets must be taking down the jerseys washed it’s now nearly half 8. Still no dinner he’s been gone since half 7 this morning he hasn’t seen his own family all day he’s tired now. He locks the gate, and finally gets home his kids and wife are happy to see him. His wife says “I don’t know why you do it” she asks “ah sure everyone else is to busy” he says “but what about us” she asks “I know love but I have to do it for the club”
This season he will get off early from work to coach your kid, he will miss out on his own family time for your kid, he will spend a lot of money on petrol to drive your kid all around the county so he can play matches. He will look after your kid like one of his own. He will comfort them when they get a belt, console them when they lose. So the next time you feel like criticizing think about what he does so your kid can play GAA. These are the real hero’s make them feel like it.
