How to inspire a shared purpose with your team
We've got soccer on the brain this week from the 2018 World Cup to the incredible story of the rescued Thai boys to the BC Provincial Championships.
Many moons ago, my daughter was playing U12 soccer. Her team made it to a Cup final that took us to the Sunshine Coast. The kids and parents were exhilarated - during the long drive to Horseshoe Bay, on the ferry and finally at the field before the game. From the other side of the field, I could hear my daughter's coach - a very passionate soccer fan of Italian decent - yelling. Odd to hear him yelling before the game even started.
I listened closely to hear his words: YOU'RE ALL YOU GOT! The players yelled back: WE'RE ALL WE NEED!... YOU'RE ALL YOU GOT! he yelled again... WE'RE ALL WE NEED! they yelled. This went on and on with the crescendo finally reaching fever pitch. Then the team ran on the field ready to battle... together as one. I had goosebumps watching these young girls. They had the same intensity as if they were playing for Canada in the World Cup.
I will never forget that moment and the coach's ability to inspire a shared purpose and sisterhood in a group of 11-year-old girls. His passion became their passion. Every kid should have a coach like Coach Angelo.
This week I wasn't able to catch up with Harry Cane so instead, I met up with two awesome U18 players between games at the BC Provincial Soccer Championships. Jack and Daniel have been teammates for many years with the same coach who they both adore. As they have both graduated from high school these would be their last couple of games before they leave for University in the Fall. I don't know if melancholy can ever be the right word to describe 18-year-old boys but there was something in their demeanour... it is the end of an era for them. I asked what has kept them together and how they have moved through adversity as a team.
Post-Production Note: Jack and Daniel's West Vancouver team went on the win the championship later that weekend!
This week I wasn't able to catch up with Harry Cane so instead, I met up with two awesome U18 players between games at the BC Provincial Soccer Championships. Jack and Daniel have been teammates for many years with the same coach who they both adore. As they have both graduated from high school these would be their last couple of games before they leave for University in the Fall. I don't know if melancholy can ever be the right word to describe 18-year-old boys but there was something in their demeanour... it is the end of an era for them. I asked what has kept them together and how they have moved through adversity as a team.
Post-Production Note: Jack and Daniel's West Vancouver team went on the win the championship later that weekend!
