Final Words of 2006.

Wow! Where do I start? 2006 has been such an eventful and quick year for me. Not sure if it has been the same for you.
One of the loveliest things that could have happened to a football fanatic, like myself, is to actually have the opportunity to coach a football team. But what could be even more happening is when the team I get to coach/train turns out to be the girls team from TJC!
It's true that TEAMTJC is indeed the pioneer batch that I actually get to coach, however, as far as I am concerned, I am enjoying every bit of it thorougly and am looking forward to what's in store for us.
Many have asked me what keeps me going, considering I don't get paid for this and that I actually have to forgo/forsake many other 'full-time' job offers just so I can make it for training ? A couple of reasons actually:
1) Undying Love for the game.
2) To gain experience and something for my portfolio
3) you. you. you.

"But Mr Au, it's not as if we are like a bunch of babes that you're coaching you know. And we aren't like fantastic in playing the game either. You sure you want to see us through?"

YES. No doubts about that. Never once has it crossed my mind, since starting mid-july this year, to ever leave the team (and trust me, there are so many reasons why I should leave). In some sense, I feel responsible to take each of you through to the end of this journey (end of tourney). I don't like to know I've started something and not been faithful to see it to completion. Secondly, I can't bear to leave you girls in the lurch, considering how 'training' was conducted previously. Last but not least, I know I have, can and will thus, continue to make a difference in each of your lives. So....why in the world should I consider leaving?

No doubt I first joined you girls at your first training session on 17th July (yes it has been that fast!), it has been a rather interesting 5 months we've had together.
From the time I shook Sheryl and Rebekah's hands when Mr Tong introduced us (oh yes! not forgeting Claud who came up to me and said "Hi Mr Au...I'm Claudia.." haha!) to the time I observed your first training session and how I slowly removed the load off Sheryl's shoulders. We then went on to take part in the DLF competition with 2 teams, did reasonably well and then progressed to reach the final 8 in the FAS 7's. I also remember being introduce to the 'World of Girls' Football' and all the rivalry, politics, etc involved in it. It wasn't as simple as I thought it would be. Of course, we played the Young Lions Womens' team in the rain before we called for the break before your exams. You girls were so sweet with the teacher day's gift. Up till today, my mom still BOASTS about how sur-hweet a team of girls I have in you. Probably what keeps me going when the 'cards' are down (some of u would know what I mean). Went on to pre-season training after your exams, had a few more friendlies, outings and now we've finally come to the final day of year 2006. Oh yes! Not forgeting the birthday surprise that was prepared for me.
Thank you for the many wonderful memories I surely hold dear to my heart and mind. You've been a wonderful, fun and sweet team to coach. You make coaching you so much easier. Then again, it gets tough too because of all that. It's tough because.....(i shall leave this unsaid ..for now).

As we enter in 2007, let's not be so engrossed about making resolutions as most of us are in the habit of doing (and often unaccomplished the year after). Rather, let's reflect upon 2006, the mistakes, the failures, the shortcomings, the successes, victories and happy stories. Let's just take a moment, think through some of these things, pen them down with no regrets or complacency. Finally, set out to use these experiences and learning points in year 2007.
We have already walked through almost half a year of life's journey together. Let's walk through next year's journey together, through the good times and the bad. Hand in hand. Leg to leg. Head to head. (okok..getting kind of cold here...hah!)

I'm excited and enthusiastic about the future laid before US. I can't wait to run this race with each of you. Let's do it TEAM TJ! And as our dear huimin would so rightly put it everytime ..." FOCUS TJ! FOCUS!"




your coach/trainer & friend,

melvin au.