"A Youth Soccer Poem - The Night before New Years"
By Coach Brett Davis
Arizona Youth Soccer Association


Twas the Night before New Years, when all through the state,
Not a player was stirring, and we bet you think that's great!
Our uniforms were hung, and cleats polished with care,
Our shin guards smelled funny, but the balls all had air.
We children were nestled all snug in our beds,
While visions of soccer games danced in our heads;
The games were such fun; just youngsters and the ball,
With no interference from adults at all.
Then out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
Just us kids having fun, SURPRISE, nothing's the matter;
We ran and we laughed, each giving our best,
We are the only attraction, everyone else is our guest.
The moon up above gave the field such a glow
Creating the feeling of magic for us down below;
When what to our wandering eyes should appear,
Only positive comments from our Coaches al l year!
The referee was in the center so lively and quick,
If he wore red instead of black, it could've been St. Nick;
With patience and fairness the decisions then came;
He whistled and pointed, never disrupting our game.
The parents and fans were supportive when they cheered,
It's all about us kids; that's for whom this game's geared;
No arguing or complaining, no whining or screaming,
Isn't it sad we only see this kind of game when we're dreaming?
Now Referees! now Parents! now Coaches and Spectators,
On Clubs! on Leagues! on Boards and Administrators,
Lean over closely and lend us your ear,
As children we speak softly, but this you must hear....
On this night before New Years, before the rising of the sun,

 

Please give us back the game, please give us back our fun.
Oh thank you for listening, there's a new beginning in sight,
Happy New Year to all, and thanks for doing what's right!