I have spent fifteen years of my life running around a big green field chasing after a ball. The truth is I’ve learned the most about myself as an individual and an athlete from the time I’ve spent on the soccer field. Playing the beautiful game has taught me more than foot skills, passing techniques, and how to score goals. This sport has taught me lessons that will carry through with me as I venture through the real world. Regardless if you’ve ever stepped foot on a soccer field, these lessons are worth knowing.
1. There is no playbook.
Soccer is a free flowing game similar to the nature of life. There are no plays to memorize or runs to follow. Soccer is fluid and unpredictable just as day-to-day life is. Soccer teaches its players how to expect the unexpected. Life is a roller coaster and so is the ninety minutes spent on the pitch.
2. Always use your head.
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Since my youth soccer career, it has been engrained in my head that “when in doubt head it out.” When there is a loose ball flying through the 18-yard box, it is the responsibility of the closest player to head it far and wide. This tactic is a symbol for life in a sense. Use your head to make good decisions and rely on your instincts to take you far.
3. Your mom will always be there for you no matter what… most likely bearing snacks.
Mom’s are the best support system out there. It’s hard to deny the love that Mom’s have for their kiddos. At the end of the game your mom will be at the end of the tunnel with a juice box and a snack. This is true outside of the world of soccer as well. No matter the situation, whether it’s bad or good, your mom will always be the loudest cheerleader in the stands.
4. Comfortable Footwear is a necessity.
After suffering through years of breaking in cleats, soccer players know how important it is to have the right footwear for the occasion. Dress for success on and off the pitch, right?
5. You will fall on your butt sometimes, and it will hurt. But, you always get back up.
Soccer is a physical sport and lots of pushing and shoving is involved. I’ve taken my fair share of blows and falls. No matter how much it hurts, you always get up. Take no mercy. When life gets you down just like you do on the field, there is no other option but to stand back up!
6. You win some you lose some.
Not every game you play will result in a win. Sometimes you face defeat even after maximum effort is put into the cause. That’s the reality of life. You win some you lose some. Just know this is ok because there’s always another game on its way for you to win.
7. Sometimes your boss will piss you off.
Referees, similar to bosses in the professional world will make decisions that you won’t agree with. Yellow cards will be distributed. Bad calls will be made. Your boss might make you want to give up sometimes. The lesson to learn from this is that their actions are out of your control, but your reaction is in your hands.
8. Moleskin is the best invention ever created.
Blisters aren’t a foreign concept to soccer players. Countless practices and games will cause some trauma to the feet. The good news is that the moleskin bandage can come to the rescue. If you’ve never worn or used moleskin to protect your blisters, I highly recommend doing so. You won’t regret it.
9. Scoring goals is sick any day of the week.
Set the bar high and reach for the stars. Put the ball in the back of the net. Nothing is stopping you from achieving your dreams. Just know that when you reach or “score” your goal it will be hard to wipe the smile off of your face.
10. Pain is temporary, but pride is forever.
Persistence is always key on and off the field. Don’t give up in the moment for a lifetime of glory. Chase your childhood dreams. Nothing is impossible.
11. Teamwork is a dream work.
My greatest friends in the whole world are my teammates. Facing adversity with a group of people who are working to achieve a common goal creates a bond that lasts a lifetime. It would be near impossible to play a soccer game alone and the same goes for life.
