Having launched the JC Daniel Sacks Award for outstanding sporting achievement for 11-16-year-old's last week, I was somewhat shocked by what I saw at my children's sports day this week.
In my day, a sports day was just that – a day of sport. Running races, high jump, long jump, we did the lot. The egg and spoon and wheelbarrow races were a little more relaxed while the tug of war separated the men from the boys.
Far from being a pushy parent, nothing would make me prouder than if my children progress to a high level in a chosen sport.
I've read plenty about the non-competitive aspect of school sports, especially at a young age, but no-one broke sweat and no-one won a prize - it was just a glorified PE lesson in which the kids had fun. The "games" were even held on a concrete playground and I can assure you that I was not the only parent huffing and puffing in disbelief.
It's ridiculous and unfair on those children who excel at sport - when do they get to shine or have their potential realised? On the other side of the coin, a fellow parent said: "Surely, school sport is about fitness for life rather than athletic prowess. There are plenty of opportunities for competitive sport through clubs outside school.
"In a non-competitive sports day the children get to compete in loads of activities rather than sitting on the sidelines being bored witless and waiting for their one race. They are in teams so there is an element of competition. The children loved it and perhaps that is the main thing."
I've been reliably informed that they will move to an athletics stadium in Year 3.
For the record, I was in medal contention in the parent's egg and spoon race, until an untimely spill scuppered my chances. Philip Levinson, the former Team JLGB midfield general, crossed the line first although I'm convinced that he benefited from the use of a thumb and a bit of blue tack.
● Having stood down after 42 years of service, first as a player, then as a manager, Catford & Bromley Maccabi chairman Lester Jacobs has stepped forward in a bid to keep the team afloat. Jacobs said: "I now find that the team is on the verge of folding due to retirements injuries and defections. However as chairman, I'm not going to allow the oldest name in Maccabi football to be extinguished without a fight so we urgently need to recruit at least six or seven new players of a decent quality, or at worst MSFL journeyman to ensure we continue and rebuild.
● London Lions' Masters section are entering the Masters Garston League with Craig Henry and Ben Dale as joint-managers. Henry said: "This will be a competitive league with ex pro's and ex semi pro's representing team's . Having played in one friendly already, with more pre-season friendlies scheduled, I'm sure that it will be very competitive and hope to encourage some of the stronger senior players at the club to get involved in Masters football."
The league can have a total of four Over 35's in the starting 11 with the rest of the team made up of 40-years plus.
The Maccabi GB Cricket Twenty20 Cup competition will be held at the Metropolitan Police Sports Ground in Bushey on Sunday. Starting an 11am, Belmont & Edgware have entered two teams. Southgate and MAL complete the line-up.
London Maccabi Vale are hosting a Colts & Parents Nights of Cricket Fun at Rowley Lane on July 13.
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