Are You More Passionate Than a Fifth Grader?
Dr. Paul Lanthois
September 07, 2009
To me, the three most valuable traits to ensure a happy and successful life are: love, passion and initiative. A love of what you do and the people around you, a passion for making a difference and the initiative to go out and follow your passion regardless of the circumstances.
I have been reminded of this whenever reading biographies of people of the likes of Sir Richard Branson and Nelson Mandela. However recently, it was Matthew Cann provided me with such an inspirational reminder of the value of these qualities.
You may be wondering, who on earth is Matthew Cann?
No, he is not some media mogul or some savvy entrepreneur. Matthew Cann is the coach of my son Daniel´s under 7 soccer team.
What is the big deal about a soccer coach, you may ask?
Well, you try to coach a bunch of hyperactive six year old boys when you are just 10 years old …
Yes, that´s right my son´s soccer coach, Matthew is 10 years old.
A couple of months ago I went along to watch my son play under 7s soccer with the Siena All-Stars. At the end of the game this young fifth grader introduced himself to the six year old soccer players and handed them each a letter.
In the letter (which I later had learnt that he had constructed himself) he introduced himself and asked for permission from the soccer players and their parents for him to become their coach. After a quick display of his extraordinary soccer skills, the Siena All-Stars players and parents alike were delighted at the prospect of having a 10 year old coach.
So in addition for playing with his own soccer teams and getting specialized soccer coaching and development, every Tuesday after school, this 10 year old super coach, takes the Siena All-Stars for their soccer training.
Matthew created his own training program and soccer drills to cater specifically for the needs of these soccer novices. He comes straight from his own soccer game to help the coach the All-Stars during their game. He has a lovely gentle manner about him and the younger boys hang off every word he says. The team has responded tremendously under his guidance and Matthew has already given his commitment to continue coaching these juniors next year.
What is even more remarkable is that I had learnt that he offered to coach other junior soccer teams the year before only to be rejected by those thinking that such a job was beyond the abilities of such a young boy. But such was Matthew´s passion for helping others share his love of soccer; Matthew persisted until he got what wanted.
Like it or not, sports stars have the potential to massively influence the youth of today. In these times when the behaviour of a lot of prominent sport stars leaves a lot to be desired, it is refreshing to see this young man blessed with so much talent, being so committed to volunteer his time and effort to helping nurture the development of these soccer beginners.
Successful people in all spheres of business, sports and arts have often been said to have such an indefinable energy or sparkle about them... This fifth grader reminded this 40 year old that passion and love is what provides that sparkle. Are you more passionate than a fifth grader?
I have been reminded of this whenever reading biographies of people of the likes of Sir Richard Branson and Nelson Mandela. However recently, it was Matthew Cann provided me with such an inspirational reminder of the value of these qualities.
You may be wondering, who on earth is Matthew Cann?
No, he is not some media mogul or some savvy entrepreneur. Matthew Cann is the coach of my son Daniel´s under 7 soccer team.
What is the big deal about a soccer coach, you may ask?
Well, you try to coach a bunch of hyperactive six year old boys when you are just 10 years old …
Yes, that´s right my son´s soccer coach, Matthew is 10 years old.
A couple of months ago I went along to watch my son play under 7s soccer with the Siena All-Stars. At the end of the game this young fifth grader introduced himself to the six year old soccer players and handed them each a letter.
In the letter (which I later had learnt that he had constructed himself) he introduced himself and asked for permission from the soccer players and their parents for him to become their coach. After a quick display of his extraordinary soccer skills, the Siena All-Stars players and parents alike were delighted at the prospect of having a 10 year old coach.
So in addition for playing with his own soccer teams and getting specialized soccer coaching and development, every Tuesday after school, this 10 year old super coach, takes the Siena All-Stars for their soccer training.
Matthew created his own training program and soccer drills to cater specifically for the needs of these soccer novices. He comes straight from his own soccer game to help the coach the All-Stars during their game. He has a lovely gentle manner about him and the younger boys hang off every word he says. The team has responded tremendously under his guidance and Matthew has already given his commitment to continue coaching these juniors next year.
What is even more remarkable is that I had learnt that he offered to coach other junior soccer teams the year before only to be rejected by those thinking that such a job was beyond the abilities of such a young boy. But such was Matthew´s passion for helping others share his love of soccer; Matthew persisted until he got what wanted.
Like it or not, sports stars have the potential to massively influence the youth of today. In these times when the behaviour of a lot of prominent sport stars leaves a lot to be desired, it is refreshing to see this young man blessed with so much talent, being so committed to volunteer his time and effort to helping nurture the development of these soccer beginners.
Successful people in all spheres of business, sports and arts have often been said to have such an indefinable energy or sparkle about them... This fifth grader reminded this 40 year old that passion and love is what provides that sparkle. Are you more passionate than a fifth grader?
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