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From: WAYNE WALKER
Date: 12/27/2002
Time: 7:24:19 PM
Remote Name: 213.249.145.174
This is a very valid and interesting topic of conversation but is in my view a separate topic,though i think i see what the author is getting at ie.'fun is an anathema to many coaches in many sports'.However, i do agree with the principles of the argument in it's widest form.
However,the dynamics of leadership,motivation and the development of ethos within a club setting ,together with the general influence on young people- through an association with a strong core of positive beliefs( communication, loyalty,responsibility and maybe even the attainment of personal potential etc etc!) is something that needs careful consideration for without these things you simply dont have a club.I am also a firm believer that in the main it is the athlete who feels he/she is making progress or achieving ,that has the most 'fun'! Indeed there is nothing less enjoyable than seeing friends who you could compete with getting away from you because you can't train on a wednesday night because you have to put 4 hours in at mcdonalds at £4 an hour so you can buy that new designer shirt to go clubbing in at 'life 'nightclub.(whilst this is their freedom to do so sometimes the coach has to offer/encourage a different perspective , AND sometimes at the request of the parents...!) In my view the BEST thing a club can offer is a reservoir of friendships that help the individual enjoy and sometimes cope with life,fullstop.However,there are those who do aspire to be champions but sometimes feel there is a glass ceiling preventing them from fulfilling there potential and we must not forget that. As well as social workers,teachers,counsellors and a dozen other roles the coach is also there to give their time and the best of their knowledge to those who wish to aspire.