First-time football parents

Since my baby sister Naika, we still refer to her as such even if she turns 30 years old today (happy birthday sis), left for the US, I’ve regularly exchanged emails with her and oftentimes, she also calls home to say hi, hello, and ask how everything has been.

Thanks to modern gadgets, we’ve kept in touch.  Today, I am not simply writing about my sister, who is happily married to Michael Addington with two young boys MJ and Nyle, because it’s her birthday, but due to her most recent news – her elder son starting to play football or soccer as they call it in the US.

Although I was just reading the message that she sent through my Friendster account, (yes folks I have a Friendster account on the prodding of my former students), I could feel how excited she was to see MJ Briggs Nahiolea (that’s my nephew’s given name) play soccer for the first time with kids from their community in Maryland.

Many years ago, I experienced such joy of seeing my own son get into the game.  I’m sure all of us parents of young athletes feel very proud the first time we see them don their gear and do a little of this and that on the field.

The excitement doesn’t easily wane and I can see that when the eyes of my buddies from the original Dads United Football Club would suddenly sparkle when their kid scores a goal or does something spectacular.  I can see that when the mommies of the Sacred Heart Football Club and those from other teams would shout at the top of their voice then do a little jig after their son or daughter scores.

I can see that when faces of the parents light up when they hear good news about out-of-town competitions where they could not join their children.

It’s fun to be a parent of a young athlete, but there are a lot of responsibilities that go with it.

Aside from having to buy them the right gear, feed them the right food, put them to bed at the right time, and make sure you’re early when you take them to games or practice, we must also remember that we have to serve as good examples.

No cursing, no drinking of alcoholic beverages, no smoking, and most of all no blinking because they’d suddenly ask you if you saw a move that they made and would even ask you to describe it.

My sister and her husband are just starting to feel that and I’m sure, everyday many parents enjoy the first day of their child’s participation in individual or team sports.

Let’s make it enjoyable for them and a fun experience for us also.

* * *

Today and tomorrow will be a big day at the San Roque Parish field in Subangdaku, Mandaue City as the San Roque Football club hosts a festival.

I don’t know much about the other details of the event, but there will be several clubs participating under the different age brackets that would be competed.

I understand there will also be action in the distaff side.

See you at the San Roque field and let’s make this an enjoyable weekend for football.