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Boy writes emotional letter to soccer coach who encouraged him after years of being put down

"This letter says more than any trophy ever could."

Images via Canva

Boy writes soccer coach emotional letter.

Coaches can have a big impact on kids. Their role is meant to inspire hard work and work ethic, and to help develop skills to be a better athlete. Good coaches can influence immense transformation and growth, while bad coaches can cause destruction.

For one coach, his positive treatment and encouragement towards one of his young soccer players changed the little player forever. To show his appreciation, the young boy wrote a tear-jerking letter to Coach Scott, sharing how much he meant to him after previous coaches constantly put him down.

Coach Scott shared the emotional letter on social media, where he explained that he found the letter "amongst my old coaching gear." Hand-written on a sheet of lined paper, the short 11-sentence note sparked an overwhelming response among readers.

note, letter, handwritten, coach, kids Young player writes soccer coach emotional letter thanking him for his support.Dramatic_Living_8737/Reddit

The letter reads:

"Dear Coach Scott,
A coach once told me I was too little, but you didn't think so. A coach once told me I was too timid, but you didn't think so. A coach once told me I was too slow, but you didn't think so. A coach once told me I was too emotional, but you didn't think so. A coach once told me watching from the bench would make me better, but you didn't think so. A coach once told me I wasn't made for soccer, but you didn't think so. Another coach showed me I was good enough and all that mattered was that I loved to play. All the rest would come. Thank you Coach Scott!! You made me love soccer and gave me a chance when another coach wouldn't. I'll miss you very much."

crying, gif, tears, sweet, kind, cute Cry Crying GIF by NBCGiphy

In the post's comments, Coach Scott added, "He is a highly intelligent young man who was wise way beyond his years. I was blown away by his writing skills the first time I read this."

Many people commended Coach Scott for his kindness to his player. "These are the real paychecks. That letter is priceless," one wrote, and Coach Scott replied, "Everyone needs someone to believe in themselves." Another wrote, "Coach Scott is a good, good man. Show the others the good, good always," and Coach Scott responded, "Thank you. Mr. Rogers said 'look for the helpers'. I became the helper for them to look for." Another touched reader wrote, "This letter says more than any trophy ever could," and Coach Scott replied, "Words are forever."

soccer coach, coach, coaches, gif, postiive impact, ted lasso Believe Jason Sudeikis GIF by Apple TVGiphy

It also spurred a discussion about the heavy and lasting impact coaches can have.

"Well done. And being that kid myself who had coaches who would pick me last in the name of min/maxing the game (or assign the varsity athletes team leaders so that they would pick last) it took a lifetime for me to reorient myself to the positive attributes of sports. So it’s refreshing when I hear stories like this from an educator who gets what’s actually important," one reader shared.

Another wrote, "I had a teacher like this. I would have dropped out of school if not for him. Incidentally, he was also a coach. Thank you for being a real one, Coach Scott!" Coach Scott replied, "Glad you never gave up. Keep fighting the good fight and thank you for your kind words."

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"I think the world could do with a few more women in the center of it."

At the 74th Golden Globes, the patriarchy was smashed so many times, a sexist army of misogynistic sexists couldn't have put it back together.

A number of women received accolades for their incredible work, while also taking public stands against misogyny and bigotry over and over and over again. Well done, 2017, you're off to a not-totally-terrible start.

From same-sex kisses on the red carpet to gendered fashion statements, we've seen blips of such expression at awards shows in the past, but it's difficult to recall another award show so ripe with memorable feminist moments.

Here are nine of our favorite instances of patriarchy-smashing from the 2017 Golden Globes:

1. Evan Rachel Wood rocked one smokin' hot suit.

Hello, gorgeous! Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images.

Sure, Wood isn't the first woman to sport a suit at an awards show (let's not forget the illustrious Diane Keaton), but she made the decision to wear this custom Altuzarra suit to send a powerful message to any girls watching at home.

She told USA Today:

"I decided early in the year not to wear any dresses to awards shows to be a gentle reminder to young girls and women that you're not required one if you don't want to, to really be yourself and that your worth is more than the dresses that you wear."

2. Sarah Paulson and Amanda Peet's BFF red carpet kiss.

Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images.

Sarah Paulson (who is currently in a relationship with Holland Taylor) and Amanda Peet are not dating, nor was their kiss a stunt for publicity (although it definitely received a ton). It was just the friendly way these two BFFs decided to greet each other on the red carpet.

It also wasn't the first time the friends kissed publicly, so it suggests they're simply trying to do their part to make such a loving gesture part of the norm rather than elicit the standard "OMG two women kissing" reaction.

3. Tracee Ellis Ross dedicated her award to "all the women, women of color, and colorful people whose stories, ideas, thoughts are not always considered worthy and valid and important."

— (@)

Ross is the first black woman to win a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series, Musical or Comedy, since Debbie Allen in 1983. Not to mention she's a 44-year-old black actress looking fierce and casually killing it in Hollywood. It's definitely time to check out "Blackish" on ABC if you haven't already.

4. Everything Viola Davis said.

Photo by Roberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images.

There was literally nothing Davis said at the Globes that wasn't awe-inspiring. She continues to bust through glass ceilings, and she does it with power and grace.

She won Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture Drama for "Fences," but the highlight of the night was her epic speech honoring a fellow female giant in Hollywood: Meryl Streep.

"You make me proud to be an artist," Davis told Streep. "You make me feel that what I have in me — my body, my face, my age — is enough.”

Which brings us to...

5. Meryl Streep's kickass Cecil B. DeMille Award acceptance speech.

— (@)

Watch the whole thing. No additional comment necessary.

6. Claire Foy's acceptance speech for winning Best Actress in a TV Series Drama for her role in Netflix's "The Crown."

Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images.

Foy won for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II — a woman who ascends to the throne and quickly learns how to work within the patriarchy while also subverting it just by doing her job.

Appropriately, Foy's speech honored the Queen, but she added an important sentiment to the end saying: "I think the world could do with a few more women in the center of it."

If this Golden Globes is any indication, Foy's sentiment is well on its way to reality.

7. Ryan Gosling's recognition of his supportive partner, actress Eva Mendes.

Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images.

Gosling has spoken about gender equality before, but his heartfelt acknowledgement to the hard work his partner Eva Mendes did "behind the scenes" so that he could shoot Golden Globe Award-winning film "La La Land" was a wonderful reminder of what it looks like when people acknowledge the often invisible work women do.

"If [Mendes] hadn't have taken all that on so I could have this experience, it would surely be someone else up here other than me today," Gosling told the crowd. That kind of support from a partner is definitely worth shouting out.

8. Lola Kirke's "F*ck Paul Ryan" pin and glorious underarm hair.

Photo by Ari Perilstein/Getty Images.

Who says award shows aren't a time to make your political opinions known? Kirke even matched hers to her dress! She supported women's rights to do whatever they want with their own bodies by confidently sporting underarm hair on the red carpet as well as a small pin that read "F*ck Paul Ryan."

9. Octavia Spencer spoke about the importance of getting girls involved in STEM fields.

Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images.

Spencer's involvement in the movie "Hidden Figures" — which tells the story of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughn, and Mary Jackson, three black women working at NASA who were integral in getting the first men into space — has been a box office success so far. That kind of turnout is great because it means a huge audience is learning about a part of history often not taught in schools.

At the Globes she told told reporters that she hopes "future STEM girls will be inspired by our movie."

Public events are always the right time to make waves for feminism and equality and to take a stand against bigotry.

The more people see these acts, the more chance they have of making a lasting impression and changing things for the better in this country. With an incoming president, cabinet, House of Representatives, and Senate brimming with people looking to strip women, people of color, and other marginalized groups of their rights, we need as many of these patriarchy-smashing moments as possible.

As long as we keep publicly standing up for what's right, whatever our race, gender, or economic status may be, those who wish to put us down will not win.

From Sierra Leone to Salt Lake City, this refugee is cooking up the American dream.

True

Miatta Stevens' culinary journey is unlike most chefs.

Photo by Billy Yang, via Spice Kitchen Incubator, used with permission.

Originally from Sierra Leone, Stevens spent nine years of her life in a refugee camp in Ghana. It was there that she spent many of her days cooking delicious dishes and satisfying the stomachs of those around her.

In fact, her food was so good that Stevens was placed in the part of camp with fellow cooks, where it would be easier for them to prepare food for all the people.

Stevens' love for cooking and spreading joy runs deep.

"My passion for food comes from a very long way. My mom loves cooking, so she shared that with me. And with the help we had at the refugee camp — all that!" she joyously told Upworthy. "From there, I noticed that my passion for food is real because I was just willing to cook for people and love making them happy and love the feedback I get from it. It made a lot of difference to us in the refugee camp."

Now, Stevens is using her cooking chops to fuel her American dream.

When she relocated to Salt Lake City, she heard about Spice Kitchen Incubator.

Photo by Billy Yang, via Spice Kitchen Incubator, used with permission.

Founded three years ago, it's a program of the International Rescue Committee, in partnership with Salt Lake County, that provides opportunities for refugees, immigrants, and people with low-to-moderate income to start their own food business. It helps them support themselves and their families and use their existing culinary skills to start new lives.

Grace Henley, program director at Spice Kitchen Incubator, told Upworthy: "We know that so many refugees have strong, beautiful, diverse culinary backgrounds and that food is one of the ways that they’re able to offer their own skills in the communities where they're resettled."

Spice Kitchen is a truly incredible program that operates in three phases:

1. Preincubation

This is where they help develop their client's food idea and put a business plan in place. Here, they make sure to address every detail before launching — overall goals, branding and marketing, menu development, recipe costing, financial literacy, focus groups, permits and licensing, you name it!

It's a comprehensive plan that typically lasts four to six months and is designed to give each client the proper foundation needed to take their food dreams to the next level.

2. Incubation

This is it! The client is finally cooking up food for a living and able to start growing their business — of course, with a little help from their friends at Spice.

They provide access to a full commercial kitchen space, one that clients may rent at below market rate. They give hands-on technical assistance at any time and even help grow their clients' customer base in order to reach their ultimate goal.

There's one catch though. Clients can only stay in incubation for up to five years. From that point, they should have all the skills needed to be an independent business owner.

3. Graduation

They grow up so fast, don't they? This is when the clients have finally made it and are now ready to contribute to the U.S. economy doing what they love. But it's not like they're completely on their own.

They can still receive technical assistance when needed and are now part of the alumni network. This gives them the opportunity to give back and provide mentorship to incoming entrepreneurs.

Programs such as this have done so much to help refugees like Stevens achieve their goals.

Image via Spice Kitchen Incubator, used with permission.

"They have made [my passion] even more stronger and appreciate what I have to offer and give us the opportunity to share with people," says Stevens. "They try as much as possible to give me their help and resources to put my food out there."

When there's a system in place to help refugees succeed, they're able to share their incredible talents and wonderful culture with the rest of the country.

We can't wait to see what they cook up next.

Girls put themselves in the shoes of Amy Schumer, Beyoncé, and others to show what they can do.

Breaking the mold, one industry at a time.

A recurring theme in 2015 has been "seeing is believing" — especially for girls.

It's easier to believe you can do something when you've seen someone else do it. That's why no matter how frustrated you get assembling IKEA furniture, you have to believe in those instructions. You saw it put together in the store. You know it can be done!

2015 has been marked with some major "seeing is believing" milestones of its own. From comedy to politics to sports to engineering, many women have taken the status quo and said, "ehhh … let's try it my way instead."

These women are helping to shift perceptions on what women and girls are capable of, and they're inspiring a whole generation while they're at it.

Could she be the next RBG? Maybe! Image of Ginsburg from Steve Petteway/Wikimedia Commons. Image of future-Ginsburg via GoldieBlox/YouTube.

In a new music video, girls step into the shoes of 10 of today's top female role models.

The video comes from popular toy company GoldieBlox and features mini-superstars like Sophia Grace, Heaven King, Jillian from EvanTubeHD, Sam Gordon, RadioJH Audrey, Annie and Hayley from Bratayley, and Flippin' Katie. ‪

Their message is simple: Girls can run on the field and run the world. They can do whatever they want to do. And right now they've got some badass women to show them how.

For instance, in 2015, Viola Davis became the first black woman to win an Emmy for lead actress in a drama series, showing millions of girls around the world that they could too.

GIF via GoldieBlox/YouTube.

And the on-point message Davis delivered gave when accepting her award says it all:

GIF from "67th Emmy Awards/Fox."

Remember when Misty Copeland became the first ever black principal ballerina at the American Ballet Theatre this year? Yeah, that was rad.

And now it seems more possible than ever before that any girl, no matter the color of her skin, can be next.

Shattering the ceiling in her ballet shoes. (Hello, Heaven King!) GIF via GoldieBlox/YouTube.

A woman who needs no introduction, Hillary Clinton is no stranger to the spotlight. She shows time and time again that it's cool to stand up for what you believe in and, oh yeah, run for PRESIDENT!

The more girls see that politics isn't just a "boys only" club, the more likely they are to go for it.

We need more amazing lady power suits in office. GIF via GoldieBlox/YouTube.

And let's not forget Amy Schumer, who has proven that you can find hilarious ways to talk about issues that matter, like equal pay and sexual double standards.

Her "Girl, you don't need makeup" sketch was gold.

You can show how smart you are AND be funny. Go get 'em, girls. GIF via GoldieBlox/YouTube.

So many industries today are male-dominated, and the idea that 'you can't be what you can't see' hits home with women of all ages. It's refreshing to see that beginning to change.

How are you supposed to think you can become a female NFL coach if you only see men on the job? A woman named Jenn Welter made it happen this year. Now, who will be the next?

Slowly but surely, the tide is turning.

GoldieBlox and organizations like The Representation Project are helping to make it happen by shining a light on the need for positive women role models in the media and showing that there is more for girls outside of the stereotypical pink aisle at the department store.

It's working. Bring on 2016.

You can watch GoldieBlox's music video celebrating some of this year's women superstars and their mini-me's here:

Heroes

Ellen never gave up on her dreams. And our dream for the Earth isn't unrealistic either.

100% clean energy may be a big dream, but we're ready to dream big.

True

It takes guts to dream big.

Because when you're willing to take a stand, it means you actually care about something. And it's scary — to be open like that. It means placing a part of yourself on the line. It's easier to give in to doubts or peer pressure. To hide.

But we've always loved the people who weren't willing to settle. The dreamers.

We look up to them because they've felt what we've felt — in every job interview, or school application, or confession of love — they felt those same doubts and beat them back. They're the people who inspire us to do what seems impossible.

But, what if Gandhi had gotten cold feet?

Image via Don't Panic London/YouTube.

What if Dr. King never had a dream?

Image via Don't Panic London/YouTube.

What if Ellen DeGeneres had stage fright?

Image via Don't Panic London/YouTube.

The extraordinary IS achievable.

As J.K. Rowling says, "We don't need magic to transform our world." Everyone has the power to do something amazing.

That's what this new video from creative agency Don't Panic and the Here Now project wants people to realize.

Because some people say 100% clean energy by 2050 is impossible.

Could the world really be powered by completely renewable sources? "There are a lot of people who say it is not possible," Stanford professor Mark Jacobson told Upworthy. He's out to prove them wrong.

Jacobson and his team weren't involved in Don't Panic's video, but they havecreated a road map to 100% clean energy for 139 individual countries. Jacobson used today's energy data — projected forward to 2050 — and customized the plan for each country based on their natural resources.

Volcanic Iceland, for example, could use a lot of geothermal, while sunny Italy could get more than half of their power from solar plants.

Iceland's famous Blue Lagoon spa is actually run off heated water from a nearby geothermal plant. Image from Vestman/Flickr.

In fact, many countries are already well underway to becoming carbon free.

People should feel confident that 100% clean energy is achievable, according to Jacobson. And moving to a carbon-free energy system could not only reduce pollution and emissions, but also stabilize energy prices, create jobs, make each country largely energy independent, and bring energy to those without access.

"In the end we'll have a system that's a lot cleaner, a lot safer, and our society should be more stable," he added.

But to achieve this, we still need the same determination and heart that Gandhi and King had.

From Nov. 30 to Dec. 11, 2015, world leaders will be meeting in Paris to try to finally solve the climate change crisis.

We need to show them that we're ready to dream big.

Watch Don't Panic's full video here:

The Wilderness Society also has a dream – to keep southern Australia's Great Australian Bight pristine and free of deep-sea oil rigs. Sign their petition to keep BP at bay and protect this untouched stretch of marine wilderness.

We have a small favor to ask of you

encouraging

"This letter says more than any trophy ever could."

"I think the world could do with a few more women in the center of it."

At the 74th Golden Globes, the patriarchy was smashed so many times, a sexist army of misogynistic sexists couldn't have put it back together.

1. Evan Rachel Wood rocked one smokin' hot suit.

2. Sarah Paulson and Amanda Peet's BFF red carpet kiss.

3. Tracee Ellis Ross dedicated her award to "all the women, women of color, and colorful people whose stories, ideas, thoughts are not always considered worthy and valid and important."

4. Everything Viola Davis said.

5. Meryl Streep's kickass Cecil B. DeMille Award acceptance speech.

6. Claire Foy's acceptance speech for winning Best Actress in a TV Series Drama for her role in Netflix's "The Crown."

7. Ryan Gosling's recognition of his supportive partner, actress Eva Mendes.

8. Lola Kirke's "F*ck Paul Ryan" pin and glorious underarm hair.

9. Octavia Spencer spoke about the importance of getting girls involved in STEM fields.

Public events are always the right time to make waves for feminism and equality and to take a stand against bigotry.

Miatta Stevens' culinary journey is unlike most chefs.

Now, Stevens is using her cooking chops to fuel her American dream.

Spice Kitchen is a truly incredible program that operates in three phases:

Programs such as this have done so much to help refugees like Stevens achieve their goals.

Breaking the mold, one industry at a time.

A recurring theme in 2015 has been "seeing is believing" — especially for girls.

In a new music video, girls step into the shoes of 10 of today's top female role models.

So many industries today are male-dominated, and the idea that 'you can't be what you can't see' hits home with women of all ages. It's refreshing to see that beginning to change.

100% clean energy may be a big dream, but we're ready to dream big.

It takes guts to dream big.

But, what if Gandhi had gotten cold feet?

What if Dr. King never had a dream?

What if Ellen DeGeneres had stage fright?

The extraordinary IS achievable.

Because some people say 100% clean energy by 2050 is impossible.

In fact, many countries are already well underway to becoming carbon free.

But to achieve this, we still need the same determination and heart that Gandhi and King had.

Watch Don't Panic's full video here: