The Captain Isn’t Always the Best Player

Saturdays are my favorite.

The day starts with kids’ sports, and right now that means soccer for my son.

I love watching him play. I also love what sports can teach kids. Teamwork. Discipline. Persistence. Learning how to win, how to lose, and how to come back and try again.

But those lessons need good coaching.

A good coach makes all the difference. They set expectations, explain why they matter, and help kids work through mistakes. They can hold a kid accountable while still making sure that kid wants to come back next Saturday.

That’s a skill.

And a strong captain isn’t always the best player on the field. Often, it’s the most disciplined. The one who listens, keeps working when the score goes the wrong way, and encourages a teammate who just missed an easy shot.

That’s someone worth following.

I think that matters a lot right now. It’s easy to get caught up in highlight reels, quick wins, and being noticed. There’s less attention given to showing up prepared, accepting feedback, and doing the work when somebody else gets the credit.

Kids need to see those things valued, too.

Discipline can be as simple as taking a breath when you’re frustrated, listening to a correction, and giving the next play your full effort. A coach who models that gives kids something they can actually practice.

The adults on the sidelines have a part in this, too. How we react to a missed shot, a tough loss, or a referee’s call teaches something.

And yes, this carries straight into work.

The strongest individual contributor won’t automatically be the strongest leader. Coaching takes patience. Leadership takes consistency. Both require caring about how the people around you grow.

That’s a big part of why I love these Saturday mornings. My son gets to play a game, and there’s an opportunity to learn something he can use for the rest of his life.

What did a coach teach you that you still carry with you today?