I also had an opportunity last season to talk to some of the O-W players, both boys and girls, including the boys' keeper--no idea if it's the same one this year; they moved out of our region and I haven't had any contact with them. I was impressed by the fact that the O-W players showed a lot of spirit and maintained a great attitude about competing and developing, no matter what the score on the board said. At the end of two seasons of getting clobbered on the scoreboard, they still went out and played their hardest for the full 80 and showed a commitment to work even harder. They may not have had the skill and experience to look competitive against established teams, but a lot of athletes and programs could benefit from that kind of attitude and commitment.
I agree...let 'em play, and let 'em learn...and respect them enough to understand that a few lopsided scores aren't going to send them running home. It might just increase their determination to keep fighting.
