There is no gainsaying that there have been many misconceptions about sports. In turn, these misconceptions caused many to give up on sports and/or look down on those who participate in sports intensely. Also, many (parents) because of these misconceptions discouraged and watered down children's passion for sports participation at a professional level.
This post seeks to serve as a wake-up call and eye-opener to parents, elder siblings, and/or guardians in the issue of sports. To achieve this, I will be sharing my personal experience, on how the poor notion about football by parents and society made me abandon sports not minding my mastery.
One of the major misconceptions then about sports (football) in my locality was that "football is for the illiterates." I don't know if this particular notion is only found in my vicinity or it is the same where you come from. Meanwhile, the most common sport over here is football so, sports in this post refer to football.
Growing up as a child, I was made to believe that playing football or getting involved in football depicts illiteracy or the inability to afford formal education. My parents would always ring this in my ears such that, it got saved in my subconscious mind. It got to a point where I started to look down on the boys who took playing football very seriously. Poor me!
On the other hand, I loved football and I could play very well. At that time, I was very good on the pitch and I had a lot of recognition both during High School competitions and in community tournaments. Sadly, my parents would always scold me each time I played football, and sometimes, I would be punished for going out to play with the boys. All they wanted me to do was study my books and focus on school work alone.
Being that I loved the game, I would still sneak out to play when they were out and as well sneak in unnoticed. However, I couldn't continue sneaking out and I didn't enjoy the scolding or punishments either so, gradually my participation in training was reduced. That's how I let football slip away.
At some point during my college days, you wouldn't find me near football activities. That's how bad it was and all of these happened because my parents believed the only way to succeed in life was by going to school, studying hard, and getting good grades. Yes, I graduated with a very good grade but a part of me died because I starved it. Success has many routes!
And that's how I never took my football career to the next level. I only play it now for keeping fit and for recreational purposes alone, not professionally or as a career.
Just like the saying goes, exposure increases a man's knowledge. As I advanced in life, I understood better and knew that involving in sports isn't a job for illiterates. It's a choice. Generally, a lot of people who viewed playing sports in the wrong light back in the day have known better.
Today, we have seen how successful sportsmen and women are as well as the respect and impact some have made. Indeed, there are many paths to greatness. Because you don't like a path doesn't mean you should look down on those who choose the path. Equally, try not to discourage others too. It's great to see some parents supporting their children's sporting careers in this era.
Summarily, playing football or choosing a career in the sports sector does not depict illiteracy in any way. If you still have this notion then you are the illiterate here and you must update your mentality.
Shout out to all sportsmen and women out there!
Feel free to share any misconception you have ever heard about sports.