Proud moments #1

With COVID restrictions easing in certain states, some sporting events are slowly recommencing. One of these, is my eldest son’s football season. If you have read my story on not judging a book by it’s cover, you would know it would be best for the apple to fall far, very far, from the tree. This is Kit’s first season ever playing rugby league so I was worried but excited for him during his first match. In the past, he has played soccer, Auskick (junior AFL), parkour, ballet, and gymnastics among other activities but he wanted to try rugby league this time round so he did.

From speaking with other parents, I understand some would feel it is better to have their children stick to a specific sport but I think you won’t know if it’s the right choice till you’ve made it. It’s hard to know how much you will like something if you’ve never tried it.

Because of COVID, many restrictions are still in place. One of these is that only one parent and no siblings are allowed to accompany and spectate the participant. I took photos to try and share the experience with the rest of the family as best as I could. It was obvious that I was far more nervous about the game than Kit was. I couldn’t tell if he really was as cool as a cucumber of if I need to be more cautious the next time we play poker. After warm-up but before kick-off, he asked if he could get out of homework if he scored a try – I said no. I told him that scoring tries and winning the game weren’t important right now. I wanted him to put in lots of effort, have fun and not get hurt!

I heard a couple of other fathers give interesting advice to their sons before the match but I won’t repeat those words.

The game was exciting and thrilling to watch. The boys were putting in 100 per cent effort which made the game fast paced and hard hitting. Even though it was his first game, Kit played so well. His constant effort made him a tackling machine and he saved a spectacular try from the opposing team by chasing down the winger and forcing a turn-over. It was excellent to see him do so well and I was so proud to have witness his efforts over the 40 minute period.

He received player of the game for his efforts and was very proud of himself but kept his Cool Hand Luke demeanour. I’m really lucky to experience these proud moments all the time with my children and family, and will write about more events in future. Be sure to tell those you’re proud of how you feel as genuine praise is one of those great things which cannot be bought.

PDR