Your club and its administrators should be saluted for “getting it exactly right.” Player development, character building and fun results in the best players and people over the long-term and collectively keeps players involved in the game because they enjoy it. There is a reason that your son wanted to get back on the field – even after losing three times. After many years of coaching, I can tell you that it is the parents who are more interested in the winning and losing. The kids just want to play. Don’t believe me? Watch how fast they’re asking to go downtown with their friends after a match – even while you’re still discussing the nuances of every minute of the match. Give the game back to the kids!

Winning or losing is simply a measurement of development in one second of time – and often changed given the finicky nature of youth players and mindsets on any given day. Sure, holding players accountable to do and be their best is very important, but shouldn’t be sacrificed at the expense of winning.

Your post encapsulates my favorite word: perspective. Work hard to cultivate perspective and your life gets a whole, whole lot better. Thanks!