3 minute read
Teamwork
By Adrian Elmes (Acting Director fo Sport) and Ross Strong (Director of Communications) At some point, every person has been part of a team. It could be a sports team or a team at work. In each instance, we find ourselves interacting and relying on other people. This is a valuable life skill as being in a team can be highly rewarding. It can also be one of the most challenging experiences an individual can face.
Why is it that some teams are more successful than others? Several factors come into play, such as team values, resources, tactics and much more. An individual does have the ability to show moments of brilliance that can change an outcome, but for long term success, a unified team will perform well.
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A French footballer, Eric Cantona, was once asked if eleven Eric Cantona’s would make a good team? He replied that this would be a recipe for disaster. Different attributes are required to have a wellrounded team. As the Manchester United fans liked to call him affectionately, King Eric had an aura about him, a physical presence and a short fuse. When his teammates could see that Eric was getting rattled, they would have to intervene to keep him focused. A 9-month disciplinary ban marred Eric’s career. Was the team more important than Eric?
At FCAC, we run several team sports, including Rugby, Netball, Volleyball, Hockey and Basketball. FCAC also offers limitless opportunities for our students to be in teams. Our House system builds community, collegiality and a sense of belonging while on the sporting field. In the classroom, our students often collaborate in small teams, focusing on their collective goal, whatever that may be. Our music students understand the need for rehearsal and how their roles and responsibilities contribute to their performances. Every student must be focused, prepared, and willing to trust their teammates in each instance. Teamwork teaches students that pursuing a goal relies on preparation, trust and a willingness to consider the team above their own self-interest. After being recently substituted in a league game in front of a packed stadium and a worldwide TV audience, Cristiano Ronaldo threw his jacket to the floor. The substitute that came on, Marcus Rashford, scored 6 minutes later. Some saw Ronaldo’s actions as passion, but I shared the view of the Interim Manager, who said his actions didn’t help himself or the team.
Both Eric and Cristiano are exceptional players but they will not go down in the history books as great teammates. In contrast, the substitute, Rashford, at just 24 years of age, has received a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in recognition of his campaign to support children and food poverty and has played over 190 games for his club, 46 games for his country. When asked about his role off the soccer pitch as someone who uses his platform to raise the profile of social issues, Rashford said, “Just look at what we can do when we work together”.
So what does Teamwork teach our students? It is part of a much larger holistic view of FCAC students. Teamwork shows the synergy of what individuals can achieve when they work together. It teaches our students how to manage conflict as well as celebrate success. Teams help individuals build character and develop an understanding of how to support others.
We should encourage our students to be more like Marcus Rashford, a young man who clearly understands that teams can be impactful and do a lot of good both on the field and off.
“The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team”. Phil Jackson – Coach Chicago Bulls (1989 – 1998) and LA Lakers (1999 – 2011).
