I grew up playing very competitive travel soccer. It was my life. Every day consisted of practices, training sessions, physical therapy, conditioning -- the whole nine yards. I wouldn't trade those times for the world, though. If you grew up playing travel ball, you probably hold one (or all) of these memories:
1. After-school and weekend activities were total busts - you had soccer.
Your middle- and high-school experiences were completely different than those of other students. You missed out on plenty of football games and weekend parties because you (of course) had soccer. Soccer trumps high school parties, anyway.
2. The incredibly long car rides were half the fun of it all.
I cannot count how many miles my dad and I drove for soccer. I never went on a trip without a teammate along for the ride, though, and those car rides were one of the greatest parts of my childhood.
3. Those pesky little tan lines never went away.
Every soccer player experiences this -- the tan lines from your socks and shorts were inevitable. They looked even better in the summer when it was time to wear a bikini. Chances are, you still have those tan lines, too.
4. Getting screamed at by a coach was no big deal.
My parents used to get so upset when they heard a coach absolutely eating my lunch during a game. As much as it upset them, I shook it off -- I knew it was only to make me better. Sports make you tough.
5. Your parents did not make the rules for your diet -- your coaches did.
Soda was forbidden and carb-loading was necessary. My typical dinner the night before a game was grilled chicken, mashed potatoes, and plain pasta ... carbs on carbs on carbs.
6. Icy Hot saved your life.
Pain was a part of the game, and you were messing up if you didn't have a bottle of icy hot in your bag. That cream was applied before and after every game/practice, and boy did it save your life.
7. You stayed at more hotels by the age of 18 than most adults had their entire life.
"Away" tournaments were the best tournaments because of the hotels. Each different venue came with its own adventures and experiences, and you were sad to leave your temporary home when your tournament ended.
8. Your summers were not typical -- you had soccer camps to go to.
Summer soccer camps were one of the most important times for the upcoming fall season, so you more than likely spent your time on a college campus rather than a beach. Once again, the childhood of a travel soccer player was atypical (but awesome!).
9. Your teammates were your best friends.
You grew up with these people and spent most of your time with them. You won together, lost together, laughed together, cried together -- you did it all. These friendships were worth the world and to this day, you likely still have close relationships with many of your old teammates.
10. You'll never cherish anything more than the memories travel ball gave you.
The happiest times of my childhood were the times I spent playing soccer and traveling with my best friends. The experiences I had with my team made me the person I am today, and I wouldn't trade these memories for the world.
