I have a question: Does your kid love soccer? Is your kid curious about new people and new situations?
When my athletes were coming up we didn’t know about this crazy page, thank God. We didn’t check in with others about the value. We weren’t trying to keep up with the Joneses.
We just showed up at every opportunity to play soccer or whatever. Little b team tournaments or pick up. These “opportunities” got them out the house and out of trouble.
People knew that our kids loved the game and they weren’t trying to vet opportunities by what VIP was going to be there or how it was gonna move them forward towards some career in soccer. We never pursued it on purpose. Sheer accidents.
But guess what? You never know who you will meet and you never know who a coach or trainer will become in the future.
My athletes have had stellar careers and the opportunity to travel the world and play pro.
How’d it start?
Our kids played with their teams and went beyond their clubs and played with much weaker teams for social reasons. Kids from blue collar families. They just jumped right in.
The best times were meals, movies, or just kicking it. We built close bonds with the players and coaches. New family.
Turned out some coaches were really connected.
Believe it or not, the world of youth soccer is real small. Friendship, loyalty, and authenticity goes a long way. Stop being overly critical of the good organizations we have. Support them by signing up and showing up to play.
Real recognizes real.
It’s like the rapper 50 Cent says, you’ll be as successful as the person you’re willing to talk to for no reason. Selah.
Comment