I loved soccer growing up and now my son joined his first team.

That got me thinking.

I played soccer in high school and it wasn’t just a sport for me.

It actually changed my life.

What Soccer Meant

I lost a significant amount of weight during high school because of it. At the time, I felt like a brand new person. More confident and more alive.

My parents didn’t care much for extracurricular activities. I can’t blame them, it was just another expense.

However, when I became a dad, I made myself a promise.

I would support my kids in sports.

Whatever they wanted to try, I would show up for it.

But I also drew a line

If my son hated soccer, I would not force him to play.

Just because it changed my life doesn’t mean it has to be his thing.

That’s not how this works.

Keeping It Positive

We started training with a local U4 team.

No yelling. No pressure. No frustration on the sideline.

The goal is for him to have fun.

Fortunately, my son is enjoying soccer so far.

He likes to run and be around other kids.

That makes me ecstatic.

U4 is just the beginning

From here forward, whatever his dreams desire, I will be there to support him.

Soccer, something else entirely, or something we haven’t even thought of yet.

That’s what being a dad actually looks like to me.