"We have some good players on the team this year but what we really need is a leader. We are looking to Brendan for that."  This was what his coach had to say.  

Brendan is smaller than everyone else on his team this year.  He runs faster than many of them.  He is good at this game, as are many of the others.  There is something else about him though, a big heart inside that little man.  He has an uncanny ability to see the bigger picture and how several people can work together. How not to sweat the small stuff. That happens when you are the eighth child and have been keeping up with five older brothers your whole life.  You quickly learn to assess the game, running two steps for their every one if that's what it takes. 

I am really happy he is having so much fun, really happy that all that watching and learning has paid off.  Mostly though, I am so happy that he is valued not only for the points he can score but for setting a positive tone with his friends, leading with a smile. I am happy that he high-five's every single teammate when something awesome happens.  The score isn't that important to me. He may never be playing soccer on tv but he will be part of other teams. It is my sincere hope that he will always be someone who can be counted on to help others move in the right direction.