Tomorrow, Noah plays in the championship game for his soccer league. He is 7 years old. And he is the team’s goalie.

I don’t remember having playoffs, sudden death matches and shootouts at age 7. Yet, that is what has been in store for the last week. Noah’s team has made it to the championship, winning the last game in double overtime. A few games have already gone to shootouts.

I do hope that he plays well and is confident in himself. My biggest worry is for a lack of sportsmanship. The outcome of a game will go one way or another. But how coaches treat the kids, how parents treat the kids, and most importantly, how players treat each other, has me hoping that the outcome is in my boy’s favor tomorrow. If things do break his way, I hope he has learned enough from me that he will treat his opponents with respect and congratulate them for a game well played.

Good luck, Noah. Your dad loves you no matter what!