RAIN UNITED
FOOTBALL CLUB
[The Family Values]
We sat by our sitting room after our Sunday dinner, holding on to our soft drinks (sorry, I don't offer beers to my kids) and had our regular chats. My youngest son, 9, came up with a football topic and I decided to draw out a piece of paper and a pen. Lionel wanted to know why football must be manage with care. I decided to offer a classic example.
We remembered playing our weekends football at the park when one day, an adult came by and asked me if I could help train up some of the neighbourhood boys who wanted to form a football team. I was puzzled but somehow decided to give a thought. Giving considerations to some of the boys whom I have known over the years, I decided to give it a try.
Knowing impediments that may arise when holding responsibilities to look after a big group, I put emphasized on the importance of good attitude when wanting to form a football club. I have asked for a decision whether they want to choose forming a football club or just planning fun football, which would be much easier.
Training gone by, I decided to do more for the team. I managed to find a proper decent football field for training at a small fee after consulting the boys for consensus. A dollar a session and I will pay the rest. I have stopped players who were told to pay monies to the adult who were collecting monies without my knowledge and put it into accountabilities. The team wanted jerseys. Close to a thousand dollars were laid out in advance. I even offer some to pay in partial when they claimed they couldn't afford after taking the jersey when I have asked if there is anyone who may have difficultities paying it before I could start to order it. There were lack of soccer balls too. It wasn't the money issue. The money doesn't make me any richer or poorer. I have only attained a certain level in football coaching and I can only do so much. I invited higher level coach to come by to assist.
At this point, I told my kids that there was never my intentions to recover any of the money spent. However, I am curious to find out from one of the boy's family to see if he is really in such plight as claimed. It will probably consolidate my visits to the school as plan. It will help me to learn the truth.
I have always explained to my kids that it is always good to tell me on their well-being outside; whether good or bad. There are always 2 sides of the stories. As parents, we will always support them, in regardless. However, I would not be led to believe if they may decide to fabricate stories. I will not listen to stories with a deaf ear to make decision or say anything. I would welcome to learn the truth over coffee, not beers. I wouldn't entertain it. It would be worrying if I do not know what my kids are doing though I may be very supportive. In more severe cases, I would learn the truth before commenting. I would not want to put others at risks. This is call "Emotion Qualities". I will probably say "Oh, play football at Limbang, don't antagonize the situation".
Do all you want to beautify your face or mouth if you want to be appealing but its the heart that will always matter. It will not make you look any difference. It is the confidence level that you carry in yourself. Do not be a spoilt brat to think highly of yourself. Think of your parents instead. What they have done to give you the best. You can brag your big talk but you are nowhere. Concentrate in finishing your studies, find a career path. You can't push your weight around, learn to respect your friends. Learn to grow up. I have the pride to tell my kids to be sensible all the time and I keep repeating it to them when my young son stopped and asked if he can put some cream on his face. I am glad my kids are well brought up.
I finally ended our family discussions when I reminded my kids to keep the way they are. Do not look down on others, don't follow like some who talks big, learn to be respectful, always learn. I will continue with our football but will stop inviting some. Let the boat rocks and we shall see.