ABSTRACT
It’s 11a.m. on a Saturday morning and the children of Parkway United Under-11 football team are milling around outside the changing rooms eagerly awaiting the start of practice. While the coach, Ian McPherson, makes some last-minute arrangements to the equipment and practice areas, the children are busy keeping themselves occupied. Some of the boys and girls are ‘showing off’ their latest ball skills, while others tell jokes and discuss what the weekend holds in store for them. Amidst the noise and laughter of young voices, one child stands alone clutching his water bottle and soccer ball with a look of apprehension upon his face. David, whose parents have just moved to the area, is new to the team. This is his second week at practice and he is anxious to make friends and become accepted by the group. Whilst in the process of marking out one of the practice grids, Ian looks up and notices how David seems to be ignored by the other children but decides to take no action on this occasion.
