If you had told me 20 years ago that I would end up coaching a kids’ football team I’d have laughed my head off and had you carted off to the nearest funny farm.
But here I am!
My wife (yes - believe it or not she is still with me) thinks I’m mad – my non-football mates think I’m mad.
Weekends are a blur and then, of course, there is the sleepless nights in the middle of the worst recession in living memory worrying about who should play where and whether ‘little Johnny’ should start or come on as a sub.
But I have to admit – I love it!
I was “volunteered” five years ago to run a team of Under 8s in the South London area.
I used to play a bit of Sunday league football and ran a men’s team until our kids started to come along.
I was watching my two sons play for their team from the sidelines, cheering them on along with the other parents.
Then I got asked if I could help out running the team. Before I knew it, I was the coach.
I remember getting into the car with the wife and kids after that rain soaked Sunday lunchtime match and say: “Have I just agreed to be their coach?” “Yes” was the reply.
And that was that.
Well five years down the road, I’ve had some highs and lows and now run an Under 12s team and as well as the Under 7s – oh and a vets team too. You can imagine who gives me the most aggro!
I’m going to be doing a regular blog for PlayerWanted.co.uk and I hope many of you will be able to relate to it. And if you are not involved in kids’ football, it might inspire you – or put you off all together!
Enjoy the ride.
Football Coach