Parents, Coaches, Teachers & Owners – “Building A Champion” Part 2
This is a repost from Tom Burgdorf”s series of articles. Follow Tom on Facebook and check his website gymnetsports.com
We can’t fail in making every child a champion.
From “Building A Champion” Part 1
For me there are 2 types of champions, one wins when compared to others and the other is a person who reaches more of their potential than others. Sports provides us with many special champions from the little league winning pitcher in a game to Oly
It is hard to be a champion when you are pampered. It is hard to be a champion when Mom and Dad do so much. It is hard to be a champion when you don’t let them sweat, skin their knee and get up by themselves. It is hard to be a champion when the adults do all of the decision making. Childhood is the minor leagues for the “big show.” Get prepared to succeed at the next level.
Our family dynamic is going to change a great deal in about 22 months. One family member is a junior in high school and his drive away moment could be about 660 days away. Yes I said days. He is 2 summer family vacations away. We have 2 more Christmas dinners before things change.. 2 more “Happy Birthdays to you.” I was just walking him to kindergarten. Is he really ready?
That 1st night in a college dorm? The walk to the 1st college class with 400 other students in a lecture hall? Is he prepared for what is going to come his way? How many mistakes will he make? How many “big” mistakes will he make?
Have we built a champion? In so many ways he is better than I ever thought he would be at this stage. But there are still areas that need to be improved. He needs a crash course in some things. Do we have the time? We have to have the time. We can’t fail in this project. Am I being overly protective and overly concerned?
We only get 1 shot at preparing him. The test is coming. I want him prepared. I want him to look over his shoulder and say thanks to all of the adults who have trained him. I want him confident, prepared, eager and aggressive. He has to have a terrific life. Not a good life but a terrific life. I want him happy and I want him successful.
I am a little afraid because this test for him coming up is a test for me too. A test for all of the coaches, teachers and other adults in his life. These children trusted us to prepare them to be champions. I hope, when the time comes, we pass the test.
How much time do you have left?
Every child can be a champion.
Tom Burgdorf on Facebook (If you like “Tom’s style,” and you run a “for profit” sports gym, cheer gym, dance studio or sports program, consider becoming a member of his Elite 100 Sports Business Program. You can receive a sample of this program by e-mailing Tom@gymnetsports.com. This program is terrific for all year training of staff.)