Below is a great poem the ELE League promoted when we first launched, parents & managers please take a minute to read...

He stands on the field with his heart beating fast,

The whistle has blown, the die has been cast,

Mum and Dad cannot help him now; He stands all alone,

A goal at this moment would see the team home.

The ball nears his feet, He kicks and He misses,

There's a groan from the crowd, some boos and some hisses,

A thoughtless voice cries out "Take off the bum"

Tears fill his eyes, the Game's no longer fun

If you’re tempted to shout or groan,

Remember, he's a boy who stands all alone,

So open your heart and give him a break,

For its moments like this, a man you can make,

Keep this in mind when you hear someone forget,

He's just a boy, and not a man yet.

Many thanks to Ray Lee (Ilford Colts)