Joy, Grit & Game Day Grace: A Weekend of Wins (and Lessons)

This weekend gave us so many reasons to cheer—and a few quiet reminders about why we really show up to these games.

It started with our 5-year-old, playing in the flag football playoffs. It was his day. Three touchdowns, four pulled flags, and a shiny, oversized “diamond” ring to mark his very first championship. His biggest game yet—and he knew it. From his pre-game clap to the determined runs to the giant grin at the end, it was one of those golden sports parenting moments you just want to bottle up.

Then came Saturday evening. Our 7-year-old took the field for his second Next Gen Cup match. A close, intense game where he scored two beautiful goals—and helped his team walk away with the win. But something else happened too.

Not during the game. On the sidelines.

Parents from the opposing team were yelling—at the ref, at calls, at the game itself. Loudly. Aggressively. And while most of us tried to tune it out, it got to our son.

Today he told us he didn’t want to go back.

Not because of the pressure of the tournament.

Not because of the heat.

Because the adults made it feel bad.

That moment gutted me.

We had to sit with it. Talk about how the game is still the game—even when people lose their tempers. That the referee’s job is hard, and yelling doesn’t make it easier. That some parents forget what it’s really about.

And mostly, that we show up because we love the game, not the outcome. That we grow through the good days and the hard ones. That joy, grit, and grace are part of playing—and parenting—well.

We reminded him of his effort. His two goals. His teamwork. His smile. That he should be proud of what he gave, not rattled by what others took away.

What I hope my kids take from this weekend isn’t just the wins.

I hope they remember:

• That how you treat people matters more than any call.

• That showing up, trying hard, and caring deeply is the win.

• And that no matter the scoreline, they’re already enough.

  
  

To the parents out there:

Cheer loud. Support kindly. And keep showing up with heart.

Because our kids aren’t just playing a sport—they’re learning how to be teammates, how to lose with grace, and how to win with humility.

And those are lessons they’ll carry long after the whistle blows.