The negativity around managing a sport is the worst thing I have ever heard. As a manager of the 2019 edition of the JV soccer team, I can say that it is one of the best things I could’ve been involved in.

Being a manager has developed my social skills, work ethic and sportsmanship. As a shy person, I expected to be walked over and spoken over because of the negativity surrounding the activity. In my time being manager, I had never been spoken over. I was always treated with respect. I was able to build bonds with the players as if they were my brothers.

Not only did I get to bond with the team, there was never a dull moment with them. Even when the team was losing a game, I was able to see the shining inspiration in the boys’ eyes for the next half to redeem themselves. I have never seen any team with the drive these boys put in. Watching them improve from the beginning of the season to now is one of the most remarkable sights to see.

The most rewarding part of the job is how you get to witness the players before the game, where they are preparing themselves physically and mentally to win, and when they win or lose the game and they are already determining what needs to be done in their next game to start or keep up a winning streak. 

If you play the sport, it is even more interesting. You get to watch the sport you love in live action from the bench perspective. You get to witness the coach’s point of view and how the other teammates react to different types of situations on the field.

Overall, I feel like managing a sport is one of the best decisions I have ever made. I plan to continue my support for the teams and witness them grow even more than they already have.