Stories from the Field: A Hug Heard 'Round the Pitch

By Marty Mannion
Education Director

Franklin is a 3^rd grader who loves soccer so much that his coach jokes about him arriving at games winded by a ritual sprint from the parking lot to the field.  Unfortunately, Franklin’s passion for the sport is often outmatched by the power and speed of more experienced 4^th and 5^th grade opponents.  One cool, rainy Saturday morning young Franklin found himself wide-eyed in the midst of a rare scoring opportunity.  As he wound up, a precious goal was robbed from him by a hard foul eight yards in front of an open net.  Franklin lifted his face from the freezing wet turf seeking justice from the volunteer ref, but found none.  Frustrated and in pain, he abandoned the game and approached the sideline, teary-eyed and yelling at his coach to take up the case with the official.

After missed calls like this, many parents and coaches might justifiably erupt in the kind of unsportsmanlike behavior they would never tolerate from their children.  Franklin’s coach, Edgar, is a talented, competitive soccer player and veteran America SCORES coach who in the past wouldn’t have accepted a non-call like this either.  At some point Edgar discovered that an angry coach can’t help an angry, young player learn the lessons that really matter.  

Instead of arguing, Edgar beamed, “Smile, Franklin!” as Franklin’s dad stood close by in support of the unorthodox tactic.  Franklin glared back, “Smile? Are you crazy?”  “Smile!” Edgar repeated, almost sarcastically.  It was a standoff the coach couldn't afford to lose.  After Franklin refused a third time, Edgar dashed onto the field.  An impossible moment in any other youth soccer program, the 6’3” Mexican-American coach chased down a surprised Franklin, wrapped his arms around him, and scooped the youngster off the ground with a big, warm bear hug.  Before Franklin’s feet touched the ground again he was shaking with laughter and grinning from ear to ear.  He hit the ground running and chased the ball, powered purely by the love of a larger-than-life coach. 

Thanks to role-models like Edgar, hundreds of students in SCORES are learning two of the most important moves they will need when times are tough: Smile, and hug somebody.

Thanks to Cory Chechile of Chechilephotography.com for capturing this moment!