12/03/2019
Catalan Perspective series: A child’s story.
‘The Life of a Defender.’
“Being your team’s defender isn’t always fun. Everyone forgets me when my team has won.
They praise the kid who scored the winning goal and forget the other kids who give our heart and soul.
Everybody says to me that I’m so good at the back. What they don’t know is, that I wish I could attack.
Dad wants me to show them that I’m committed and tough, but I’ve not scored all season and I’ve really had enough.
I stand and admire while the strikers get the glory, they take all the praise but my game has a different story.
From the first minute I give it my all, Manager is shouting again “KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE BALL”
Sometimes I think I’m in defence just because I’m tall. Sometimes I wish, I was born really small.
I put my body on the line to make sure we win. Never passing across the back because I know that’s a sin.
I work really hard to win the ball back and as soon as I do, I’m told to give it a smack.
I try to be fearless and show I’m now scared, but everyone screams “don’t mess about with it there!!”
This games really boring, there’s not much to do. We’ve had about 50 shots but they’ve only had 2.
I don’t get why it’s me in defence every game. We all love to score, but we aren’t treated the same!
I ask if I can move, just to have a go. Maybe be a striker? But the answer is no.
The ball comes my way but the striker is fast, he runs off with the ball as he whizzes past.
I run and I chase him with everything I’ve got. He’s running at goal so there’s no way I can stop!
As he steadies himself ready to fire his shot. This is my chance, ready or not.
I throw my left leg in front of the ball. Jumping and sliding, I give it my all.
The ball goes out as the parents all scream! I stopped the goal and did it for my team.
Suddenly, everyone is clapping at me. The noise is amazing, I feel like I’m on tv!
This feels incredible, I feel like I’ve scored. I blocked the shot and the crowd all roared.
Maybe playing at the back isn’t so bad. I look over and smile, catching the eye of my dad.
He’s beaming with pride and shouting well done. He’s proud to be my dad and I’m proud to be his son.
I might not be the kid that the history books remember. But I’m strong and I’m brave.... I am a Defender. “
Being a defender isn’t EVERY kids dream. Encourage your child to try all positions and find the one that they love playing the most. Remember, after all... it’s just a game that they play to enjoy.
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