LIVING HISTORY UP CLOSE

Last weekend, the Arbor boys' futsal team Monster Mash beat their opponents 9-2 for a 5-1 record in six games. Our only loss this season was to Team Chaos. They have a 6-0 record. Fittingly, we have a chance not only for revenge but also a chance at the title in a rematch with Chaos on the last day of the season.

Unfortunately, that game will take place one day after I leave the country for a two week trip to Europe and the day I will be in the Camp Nou watching my other favorite team FC Barcelona play.

Because I was going to be away, I decided to set up a practice this past weekend to prepare the boys and instill a greater sense of confidence in them. We ran through several drills and talked about the key points in the match: applying defensive pressure, bringing the ball out of the back safely, attacking collectively, aiming for the corners and being precise with our finishing, and playing as a team rather than as a collection of individuals.

Afterwards, we sat in a circle at midfield. I asked them to raise their hands if they thought they could beat Chaos. All the boys and I raised our hands. I reminded them that we were outscored 5-1 in the first half of the first match with Chaos. However, we "won" the second half and outscored them 6-4 after increasing our intensity, protecting the ball better, and attacking as a unit.

I also brought up the concept of goal differential. This is the value of goals scored by a team minus goals conceded. Chaos' goal differential was + 28. Ours was +24. In reality, our was much higher because we had 14-0 and 16-2 victories in two matches. However, the league only let's a team win a match by a maximum of seven goals.

Because of Chaos' advantage in goal differential, we did not just need to beat them. We had to beat them by three or more goals (i.e. a three goal victory by us would reduce Chaos' goal differential to +25 and increase ours to +27).

I again told the boys that I was confident that we could achieve this, and I had facts to back my claim. Indeed, four of our five victories were decided by three or more goals, and three of our victories were decided by seven or more goals. The boys eyes gleamed.

Finally, I asked them what it would mean if they lost. Several boys politely raised their hands and then answered when called upon.  One boy said it would mean that only one team (Chaos) would finish above them. Another boy said that they would still be proud because they tried their best in every match. I echoed their remarks and said I would be proud no matter how the game finished. We ended the practice with a rousing cheer of "Monster Mash."

After the practice, the Monster Mash boys played their parents, including me, in a scrimmage. It was non-stop action, and we just might have beaten the boys. However, according to Nicholas the game ended with a win for the Monsters or a draw at the worst. That is called wishful thinking! At the end of the night, we all said our goodbyes, and I wished every boy good luck before taking my leave.

Afterwards, I reflected on the many reasons why it has been a privilege to coach these boys. First, they are incredibly talented, respectful, and motivated. The latter is quite striking because so many people lack motivation in life. Indeed, I often share a quote about motivation from the Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger with people interviewing for my lab. Mr. Wenger said succinctly, "My goal is not to motivate people. My goal is to help people who are motivated!" These boys would make Mr. Wenger proud.

I also enjoy coaching Nicholas and his friends because I realize that their time with each other and with us as their parents is finite. The boys are all at least half way through Arbor. In the coming years, many of them will also go to different high schools. They will eventually leave home. Sniff. Sniff.

I feel privileged to see the boys create lasting memories of their friendships on the court and to see them achieve so much collectively on the court. I know the other parents feel the same way, too.

Watching these boys' lives unfold is much like watching living history. What more could a parent ask for than to witness one's child's happiness, perseverance, and triumphs up close?

Win or lose, this is a season that none of us will soon forget.