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Refocus is required

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Dear editor,

As we finish another season of soccer in Stettler I would like to share some of my thoughts whether you like it or not.

When you have a look at the picture I send along from Kenya it hopefully reminds us of what soccer should be all about – kids, a ball, and having fun!

These kids play on a dirt patch with a deflated ball and most have bare feet and a big smile on their faces.

NO fancy coloured shoes, shin pads and matching outfits.

I have been coaching for about 18 years in Stettler and have loved every minute of it!

But I also have been witnessing some very disappointing behaviour by kids, parents and coaches, especially in the last years.

Now that soccer seems to be catching on here, we also seem to have a lot of experts on the side lines. I am sure they all mean well when they are helping the referees with their jobs, but I am also sure that the referee took the course and most of the helpers on the sideline have not!

As all you soccer parents know, it is a struggle to get referees in Stettler and we are trying to teach some young people to do this thankless job.

So PLEASE give them a break and let them get some experience before they quit, or since I see so many experienced fans on the side, Stettler should have an abundance of referees next year.

I wish all the teams that made it to the provincials the best of luck, and hope they have a blast playing soccer, win or lose.

Coach Carla Vanderburg

U18 Girls