My son coaches his 9 year old son in a recreational soccer league. The league supplies shirts without numbers. No pants or socks. That is it. My son trains the kids to have fun. That is it.
One boy on the team has a brother in special education. Downs syndrome. The brother comes to every game and cheers on the team. He does not understand all the rules of soccer or know the names of the players, but he runs along the touch line opposite the player's bench and cheers the team.
After the game my son gives each player a piece of candy. The brother crosses the field and gets his piece of candy. He loves it.
Near the end of the season the league asked for the names on the roster so each player could receive a small trophy in thanks for participating in the games. Not for winners, just for participation. My son included the brother's name. He was the team's most avid fan.
After the last game, my son gave all a piece of candy and a small trophy. The brother crossed the field for his candy and was rewarded with a trophy. He was very excited. He loved it. His mother was upset since she did not think that he had earned it. The boys on the team assured her that they approved of him getting a trophy. She relaxed and all were happy.
I thought that what my son did was good for soccer. No, good for youth sports. A thanks for participation.
I did not get a trophy; my son is my trophy.
Alan Maher