First of all let me say that it is not my intention to politisise
this forum.

However, in the light of what is being commemorated today, Sep 11th,
I believe that sport in general is really being put into true
perspective. We all love it, discuss it and obviously we become very
passionate about it, but at the end of the day sport is just that: a
game to be enjoyed by its participants, be it players, fans or
officials.

As coaches we have the privilege of being put in a position where we
can have a great impact into the lives of our players, young and old,
and everyone else associated with the teams we are involved with.
Let's not waste it! By all means let's teach our athletes how to
trap, kick and head a ball. But above all, let's continue to teach
them the right values that will help them make a valuable
contribution to society in general in later life.

I believe that once the medals have gone brown qnd mouldy, the
certificates and ribbons have got lost in our backyard shed, what
remains in the minds and hearts of our players will be those special
little moments where we shared of ourselves with them.

It is wonderful to hear from players one has coached many years ago
who still keep in touch now and then as they remember fondly some of
the life lessons that we have passed on to them. To me that is the
true mark of a successful coach.

Regards from Australia.