MAYSA's Vision
We’ve been scratching our heads, listening, listening, listening and talking with folks all over Western North Carolina for years about the state of youth Soccer in our area and of youth sports in general in our country.
We decided to sit down and put it to pen and paper and articulate what we believe a Positive Youth Sports Culture looks like. Strap in, because everybody here at MAYSA is committed in more ways than we can tell you to the following. We hope you’ll come along with us:
Bottom line, we want to create a culture where kids love to play the game. They look forward to practices and games as times when they will have fun. The joy they find in playing the game will last a life time.
In a positive youth sports culture, all resources flow evenly through out. They do not flow disproportionately to the elite level. All athletes have equal options determined by their ability and interest. Elite athletes compete in “meritocratic” environments in which a place on the team and playing time are determined by ability, performance and effort. Less talented or skilled athletes, or simply athletes who want a different kind of experience, have the option to play in developmental or recreational programs in which they are guaranteed the right to play at least a part of every game.
At every level, players are proud to have their families and friends see them play. Knowing that they are an important part of the team contributes to this proud feeling; their coaches are supportive and do not embarrass them in front of those watching; they are confident that their parents are supportive and will not confront the official or coach over questionable calls; and ultimately, they know that those watching are proud of them whether or not they win the game. Their parents and coaches recognize and support that this is their soccer.
All involved in youth sports (players, coaches, parents, officials, and fans) realize and support what a special time this is for the players. They look at their involvement as a privilege that they never want to dishonor. They realize further that sports provide a time when they get to interact with people they do not see on a daily or even regular basis, and they come to cherish and respect this time. Players know that this is a time when they can learn from each other (as well as from the coach), and the coach sees how much can be learned from the players. Players look forward to playing challenging opponents because they push them to perform to their highest potential.
Coaches feel the responsibility not only to teach their players the skills and strategy behind the game, but also a respect for the tradition of the game and for all who are involved (teammates, opponents, officials, and fans). Learning to Honor the Game contributes to a growing sense of responsibility and maturing moral reasoning that helps athletes prepare to become contributing citizens of the larger community.
Coaches realize that what they are teaching their players carries far beyond the field into the classroom, the home and even into future jobs. Coaches have their players (and team as a whole) focus on their effort and personal improvement, rather than simply on the result of the game. They help players recognize that mistakes are an inevitable and important part of the learning process and that a key to success is being able to rebound from mistakes with renewed determination. This way, players gain a sense of control over their own development and confidence in their ability to succeed, in life as well as in sports. Everyone realizes that it is life’s lessons learned through participation in the sport that are the sport’s greatest value.
Players have an important voice in creating this positive culture, and there are multiple and ongoing opportunities for them to shape their own environment. During team discussions players speak and contribute. When decisions are being made that affect the entire team or league, coaches and league organizers make a concerted effort to be approachable and player’s ideas are sought out and considered. Having this voice increases player’s sense of internal motivation, and they feel a stronger sense of control over their surroundings.
This positive culture encourages athletes to play multiple sports and never pressures players to specialize in one sport too early in their “careers”. Coaches resist the urge to pressure their players to give up other sports besides their own, realizing that what might give them the best winning percentage is not always the same as what is in their players’ best interest.
THE CHALLENGE
When the game is on the line, can we really live up to this description of a positive culture? Can we really expect coaches, players, fans, and parents to uphold this positive culture if it might result in losing the game? The answer has to be a resounding “Yes!” Culture is a very rigid yet pliable human experience. Cultural changes begin with individual change in vision. They become greater cultural reality through collective commitment to not accept anything else. All involved must realize that winning cannot be the only goal. Maintaining a positive culture where positive character traits are developed in our players must come first. When a game is on the line and tensions are running high, it can take a high level of moral courage to keep our focus on what is really important, but if we can do that, we will teach our children an invaluable lesson. We must believe that maintaining this positive culture is so vital that we are willing to stand up to others that are putting it in danger. We remind them quietly and kindly to Honor the Game! Our vision will stretch far beyond winning a specific game, tournament or league championship to making a lasting, positive impact on the lives of our players.
Our mailing address currently is:
8 England Woods Drive
Weaverville, NC 28787
828-645-2030
Email us at:
Executive Director
