Life skills are learned and improved by playing soccer.
A few years ago, I worked with a wonderful sports psychologist. We boiled down the teaching skills and teamwork development that were central to developing soccer players.
What lessons are learned when these two elements are successfully brought together?
- If one works hard to improve the skills needed to play the game, or decides to help their fellow team players enjoy the game with them – magic happens.
- They learn that the 4 D’s : Desire, Determination, Discipline and Dedication are required to achieve desired results.
- They learn that keeping focused, and using every minute to reach a goal is important. Time is one thing you can control and you have the ability to choose to use it wisely.
- By playing in a highly competitive environment, they build their individual spirit and drive.
- They learn to collaborate and help one another so both the group and the individuals find success.
What we realized, was that the value of these lessons extended far beyond the soccer pitch. Once they transfer these lessons from soccer to life, they will have the opportunity to discover that they have built real, valuable life skills. And they did it just by playing a game they love with passion, commitment and joy Life Lessons and soccer
Ed Weil 2015
NSCAA