First of all, the kids don't believe you — and we don't believe it either — so it destroys your team's trust in you as a coach.

Second, you are asking the kids to act as though the score does matter, so why destroy all the work you are doing as a coach by undercutting the entire exercise? If the score literally didn't matter, kids should kick the ball in their own goal because it feels good or because it is fun or easier.

Sports is fun because you are working with your team toward a specific goal. Take that away, and the whole thing is dumb.