One of my friends asked “Why do you pay so much money and spend so much time running around for your child to play rugby?” Well I have a confession to make: I don’t pay for my child’s rugby training or kit, mouthguard or boots. Or even hundreds of rugby balls.
So, if I am not paying for rugby, what am I paying for?
- I pay for those moments when my child becomes so tired they feel like quitting but don’t.
- I pay for the opportunity that my child can have and will have to make life-long friendships.
- I pay for the chance that they may have amazing coaches that will teach them that rugby is not just about game plans but about life.
- I pay for my child to learn to be disciplined.
- I pay for my child to learn to take care of their body.
- I pay for my child to learn to work with others and to be a proud, supportive, kind and respectful team member.
- I pay for my child to learn to deal with disappointment, when they don’t get that try they hoped for, or dropped the ball despite having practiced a thousand times, but still gets up and is determined to do their BEST next time…
- I pay for my child to learn to make and accomplish goals.
- I pay for my child to learn that it takes hours and hours and hours and hours of hard work and practice to create a champion, and that success does not happen overnight.
- I pay so that my child can be on the pitch instead of in front of a screen…
I could go on but, to be short, I don’t pay for rugby; I pay for the opportunities that rugby provides my child to develop attributes that will serve them well throughout their life, and give them the opportunity to bless the lives of others. From what I have seen for many years, I think it is a great investment!
Slovak Rugby League Federation 