Soccer has been a big part of Norman MacDonald’s life for many years. He played and refereed as a child, and competed on the pitch throughout high school. And for the last 13 years, he’s coached the game to different age groups, ranging from 5 to 17 years old. This year, he’s coaching an Under 10 girls team in the East London Soccer League.
“I love teaching and showing the girls the fun and team spirit of the game,” said MacDonald. “I believe in making sure the girls have fun out on the field, win or lose, as long as you tried and played as hard as you can.”
The Under 10 girls squad is sponsored by Elmira Stove Works, and the team is known as the ‘shadows on the field’ for their black jerseys.
“It’s important for the league to have these kind of sponsors to get as many children out being active,” said MacDonald, who is in his fifth season as a coach in the East London Soccer League. “And the league does a wonderful job helping and giving the kids an affordable sport to stay active.”
MacDonald, who was formerly the head referee and president of a soccer league in Welland, Ontario, says his goal is to try to develop pure soccer skills and work as a team, as he believes that team play is just as important as individual goals. From a team perspective, though, the goals have been admirable.
“As the year began, we set a goal of finishing first in the division,” MacDonald said, noting that the team was undefeated at the time of this writing. “In fact, the girls have set a goal to not lose this year.”
But, of course, it’s not all about winning and losing, and MacDonald is always proud of his ‘shadows on the field.’
“I love building team spirit and watching the girls develop as the season goes.”
