CHICAGO -- If memory serves, when I was starting on organized high school sports teams, my father saw me play football once, basketball twice and baseball not at all. An otherwise attentive and supportive father, he was like most fathers and mothers of his generation, not at all preoccupied with the games the children played.
Column: As ‘Soccer Dad’ can tell you, today’s youth sports are no simple fun and games
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David Murray and Cristie Bosch at their front stoop on April 9, 2026, in Chicago. Murray is the author of a book titled "Soccer Dad," about navigating competitive youth sports through their daughter Scout's soccer experiences, having played competitively from childhood through college. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Pictures of Scout Murray playing collegiate-level soccer hang on a wall at her family's home Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Chicago. Her father, David Murray, is the author of a book titled "Soccer Dad," about navigating competitive youth sports through Scout's soccer experiences, having played competitively from childhood through college. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune/TNS)
A framed picture of David Murray, Cristie Bosch, and their daughter, Scout, sits on a kitchen counter at their home Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Chicago. Murray is the author of a book titled "Soccer Dad," about navigating competitive youth sports through Scout's soccer experiences, having played competitively from childhood through college. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune/TNS)
David Murray unfurls a poster of his daughter, Scout, in soccer competition Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Chicago. Murray is the author of a book titled "Soccer Dad," about navigating competitive youth sports through Scout's soccer experiences, having played competitively from childhood through college. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune/TNS)
Cristie Bosch unfurls a book cover promotional poster for "Soccer Dad," written by her husband, David Murray, left, at their home Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Chicago. Murray's book is about navigating competitive youth sports through their daughter Scout's soccer experiences, having played competitively from childhood through college. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune/TNS)
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