The Spirit in Football

Authors: Kathryn Nixon & Ana Boudreau
ISBN: 978-0-615-38669-0
Publisher: The Spirit in Sports Publishing
Purchase link: The Spirit in Football (The Spirit in Sports)
Source: B&B Media Group

**Special forward written by Matt Hasselbeck**

The Spirit in Football is a helpful guide to teaching young football players how to apply the fruits of the spirit to the game of football. The book supplies verses that talk individually about each fruit and then gives helpful hints of how to apply the fruit or quality to the game. Here is a quick run down of some of the things you will read in this title.

• Love through encouragement.
• Joy through laughter and excitement.
• Peace through knowing whatever the outcome, we play for God.  Do your best win or lose. 
• Patience with our coaches and teammates as we all learn the game. 
• Kindness through respect for our self, teammates and others.  Support others. 
• Goodness through compassion or comfort to a teammate or opponent who gets hurt. 
• Faithfulness through practice. 
• Gentleness through our words and reactions.  No anger. 
• Self-control by keeping our temper

The book is equipped with a sturdy hard cover backing, football illustrations to show through picture what the words are trying to convey and an autograph page for your child's teammate to sign. It is suggested that this title be purchased as a gift for each player so that every child has a memento from their season.

I really enjoyed The Spirit in Football.  In a high contact sport it is easy to lose control.  This book really helps show how the fruits of the spirit can be applied in every aspect of the game.  As I have stated before, I believe whole heartily that sports should focus on team work, having fun, playing well with others and coordination. It is not about winning or losing but rather teaching our children many lessons through a fun interaction with others. This book helps promote the same ideals. While we all like to win, not everyone can. The title promotes a healthy and realistic look at goals and actions for teammates to learn while playing the game of baseball. It has a simplistic and easy to understand message that has the ability to stay with you for life.