While coaching a team of 3- to-5-year-olds in the YMCA Hernando Branch's soccer league, Waggoner can't help but smile.
"It's really a lot of fun," said the coach of the Titans, whose 3-year-old daughter is on the team. "They have no expectations coming out and they're just looking to have fun. Coaching here is really minimal because it's really more about encouraging them."
With team names such as the Grasshoppers, Sharks, the Force and the Swarm, most teams turn into one big mass chasing after the ball, which can be humorous. Throughout the game, score is not kept, and sometimes players cry, usually, according to Waggoner, because they are tired or hungry or maybe soccer just isn't their thing.
But then again, they're just kids, barely out of the terrible twos. So, that's where the coaches come in, making sure the players are encouraged to get exercise and learn the game the right way. With YMCA putting on the games, which Waggoner says is "done right with everything behind the scenes to make things go smooth", coaching is more than a nice chuckle.
It gives back.
"I think it is fun for the coaches," Waggoner said, "and it's definitely rewarding seeing the stuff in practice put into the game, like a kid dribbling 20 feet or so and not losing it to another player or getting off a good shot.
"We really just want to build character with them."
What's going on in your neighborhood?
Let us know and we may come document it. Tell about an event, a game, a practice, an outing, a tournament — anything! There's a lot going on in the community and we want to know about it. Contact Community Sports Editor Mike Camunas and tell him what's happening. Call him at (352) 544-1771 or e-mail him at mcamunas@sptimes.com. We live in this community, so let's talk to each other.
[Last modified: Nov 19, 2008 07:57 PM]
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