The mother watches her child flourish across taekwondo, sailing, tennis, swimming, and volleyball. He thrives in every sport she enrolls him in, yet football remains his deepest longing. From the moment he learned to speak, he voiced a wish to play, while she wrestles with a firm stance against it. Weekend practices and matches would be difficult for her to attend alone, yet she remains patient as he edges toward greater independence and expands his world, trying to keep pace with his own growing ambitions. Why should a mother who trains solo, leans on family at matches, and holds a cautious view of football ever be asked to give up her own needs? He keeps speaking of the beautiful game and builds a personal team in the living room, naming players after legends like Maradona, Pelé, Messi, and Courtois, along with favorites from the present day. He proudly displays the trophies he imagines winning, a roster that feels unbeatable to him. He practices in the hallway, on the street, and in the schoolyard, and his new shoes wear out in a day while he insists his touch is exceptional. Even older kids have remarked on his talent. He watches games on TV and, in the summer, wears the uniforms of one relative and the hat of another. He keeps his mother informed about leagues, standings, and news from clubs such as Mallorca, Arsenal, Manchester City, and PSG, as well as players like Alexia Putellas and Cata Coll. The Women’s World Cup airing on a Sunday reshapes their weekend plans, ensuring the Spanish team’s match is included. In a bar full of young fans, he claims to be a future player, trembles a little, and asks for another chance to chase that dream next year.
Football feels like a heavy topic for her. It makes her blush with embarrassment because she is surrounded by people who discuss the sport with fierce, loyal passion. She admires the way they speak about the game, the signature moves, and the coaches who shape long-standing habits. The weather can be a test on his trips to the countryside; rain and snow become part of their journey. She doubts whether to expose her daughter to the same culture and its values, imagining herself reacting loudly at a match, or disagreeing with the referee when a call feels unfair. What if she loses control and yells at a rival on the field? What if he is not as strong as he thinks and a bench decision triggers a meltdown, as sometimes happens in local youth leagues? The sport feels almost otherworldly — an arena with rules that feel unfamiliar and, to her, a shadowed history of inequality. To her mind, it has sometimes looked like a black hole for misogyny, racism, homophobia, and the hidden costs of money. The child’s safety and dignity matter more than trophies, and she wants to shield him from the harsher sides of the game if they surface. She has tried to explain to her child the insults aimed at players when emotions run high, especially during high-stakes moments. She has seen stories about coaches who crossed lines with players, prompting community backlash and rapid changes within clubs. She believes in fair play and accountability — values that should guide every professional and youth program. The family watches as champions earn praise but also face scrutiny, and the mother hopes for a future where respect, integrity, and genuine love of the game define the sport more than bravado. In that hope, she finds a quiet resolve to support her son’s dreams while holding onto a vision of football as a venue for growth, teamwork, and joy, free from harassment and prejudice. A recent example — an incident where a coach faced consequences after crossing boundaries — serves as a reminder of accountability and the need for better leadership in youth sports [citation: incident report, community review]. The moment when a player, Jenni, missed a penalty but celebrated with a bold, fearless goal also sticks in her mind as a testament to resilience and sportsmanship [citation: match summary and postgame analysis]. She remains focused on the larger goal: sports should empower young players, not demean or discriminate against anyone. The hope persists for a future where every child can chase their dreams in a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment.