We are more than halfway through the 2010 World Cup and there is a lot more soccer to celebrate, Savvy Auntie!

As school is out and summer is in full swing, your nieces, nephews and the great kids in your life have lots of time to play, but that doesn’t mean there are not important lessons to learn.

There are so many wonderful qualities about sport: teamwork, physical strength, life-long opportunities to compete or be a recreational athlete. But a lesson that will stay with you from the field to family, from work to play, is sportsmanship.

In sports, any team can beat any other team on any given day. There are so many factors involved with any and every competition, be it a race, game or match. Respecting your opponent and their ability, along with that of your teammates, coaches and officials is paramount to one’s success. Sportsmanship is more than following the rules of play; it’s about being a winner whether you win or lose.

As the U.S. team was defeated by Ghana 2-1 in the second round of World Cup action, many a young soccer fan in this country suffered the loss as well. Pride and patriotism are great side effects of international competition, but as Savvy Auntie, you’ve got a terrific opportunity to teach the kids in your life the importance of being a good sport.

World Class World Cup Lessons

As you watch any of the World Cup games you will notice several traditions that take place before, during and after the game:

1.  Both teams are lined up in the same tunnel before entering the stadium. They are together as competitors.
2.  The national anthems of both teams are played, allowing players and fans alike to hear another nation’s song, learn a bit about that country and their traditions.
3.  As a sign of respect, team captains often exchange their country’s flags before the start of the game.
4.  Team spirit isn’t about a single player or a single play, it’s about working together.
5.  Missed opportunities happen – but players keep playing; they don’t stay in the past, they play in the present.
6.  At the end of the games, players shake hands and often exchange jerseys (one of my favorite traditions!).

Go out there and play, Savvy Auntie! Show the kids in your life that you can be humble in victory and hopeful in defeat!

Amy Shigo is a sports journalist.

Published: June 29, 2010