But Willow knows my belief in her is deeper than the oceans. She is already a miracle to me, so I wouldn’t be surprised if she turns out to be an actual saint. Or maybe just one of those people who sees Jesus in toast. Point is, I’m certain she has a big future ahead.

But I also believe in who she is now, including her achievements on that footy field – small though they seem to be. I see her run, not as fast as others, but the fastest she can run. I know that her one handball in this game was the culmination of the 100 she did in our backyard. And this team environment, while welcoming and very close-knit, isn’t an easy fit for my little introvert. To see Willow persist, week in, week out, makes me teary with pride.

Team sport is wonderful and vital. No doubt so are music and drama and dance and coding and writing and drawing and tying knots. And for the kids who don’t enjoy sport, whatever lights them up is perfect. I know, because I was one of those kids. But while I loved piano and belting out show tunes, I’m sure I’d be a different person if I’d played a team sport.

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Sport shifts a person, pushes us to stretch what we know of ourselves into a bigger, bolder version. I’ve seen Willow walk taller, hold her body differently, take up space more confidently, because she plays. It gives her a space in which to both enjoy who she is now, and imagine with every lacing of the footy boots who she might become.

You can’t fit all that on a trophy, though. Or can you? Because in the end, Willow did get an award! A Coach’s Award for Effort and Attitude, which I had no idea was even a thing. But there it was, with her name on it. I was so overjoyed I burst into tears, which obviously made her die of embarrassment, so there’s two wins. That our awesome coach saw Willow for the qualities she brings was incredibly precious to me.

And it was one of my favourite moments of being wrong ever. I’ll admit it happens often, so I doubt I’d get a Parenting Award. But when it comes to being mum to Willow, a Participation Award is all I need.

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