Soccer: The Magic Word, The Holy Grail And That Elusive Dream

At dinner tables around the world, parents urge their children to train hard, work hard and even study hard. The advice they give their children is solid and is based on grit, hard work and preparation.

This all sounds nice and simple in theory but implementation is hard. Anybody and I mean anybody can talk the talk. Big deal! But it takes a whole set of different balls to walk the walk.

Each player has a different family background, culture and financial status. It makes me laugh when I read certain articles or even books proclaim that everyone has the power to succeed.

What the writers and authors tend to forget is that not all families are the same. Most books, not all, cater for the middle class white suburban family with average income of $50,000 and above. The advice that is given for these families would never satisfy children in black households living in the Bronx. Would it? What about the children living in the slums of South America that search endlessly for food to eat. What about the children of the Zapatista, the indigenous people of Mexico who have been silenced and enslaved by the Mexican Government.

Could these books that preach and teach the “secrets” of soccer help every child in this world? Should books make such generalizations? That every family, situation, race, environment, gender are in fact the same. Any book that doesn’t distinguish these differences loses all credibility in my eyes.

If you’re going to preach or sell your ideas it should be based on important principles that would benefit everyone that reads them regardless of race, gender, circumstance or financial stature. Flick through some of the soccer books that you own, do they make ludicrous assumptions and generalizations? Chances are they do.

If you want to succeed and stay ahead of the game, here is a list I’ve put together. The only assumption I’ve made throughout this list is your involvement in the game. After all you’re reading a soccer site aren’t you?

With that said, let’s begin.

• There is no excuse for lack of effort.

Once at training, train like you’ve never trained before. Apply yourself 100% and use up all your energy reserves. Make sure when you finish training that you are physically and mentally spent. Once you cross that magical white line make sure you leave all your problems on the outer. Going through the motions because you have unrelated problems is no excuse. If you can attend training, for Gods sake, train. Other problems or issues can be dealt with at the appropriate times.

• Don’t become a Victim.

The coach doesn’t like you or refuses to play you. Most players’ especially young ones will wave the white flag and give up. At the end of the day this is an opinion of one man. So what! Can you prove him wrong? Are you prepared to fight or will you crumble like a piece of shit in the summer heat? Never lose belief in yourself, even if others don’t believe in you. If you have the grit, the balls and the broad shoulders, flex them. No one else can defend you like you can. While you may be unhappy with your circumstances, you and only you have the power to change and improve your soccer. Never surrender and refuse to be a victim.

• Dedication

Others may have been blessed with more skills, better genes, more money, better connections and better home conditions, but you can succeed through hard work, perseverance and repetitive training. No matter the disadvantage you face or the uphill struggle, you can defeat it with dedication. How many players have been unearthed from the slums that only possess the clothing on their back? Did they have it tough?

• Responsibility

You may be a product of a single, broken or even a no parent household. Is that you’re excuse? Do you need tissues? Don’t hold anyone responsible for your present situation. On the same token, don’t allow anyone to interfere with your future. Many players have succeeded under conditions far worse than a broken home.

• Commitment

Some clubs and coaches are better than others. Very true and a valid point, but what’s your level of commitment? What’s your level of effort, dedication, curiosity and willingness to learn the game?

• Role Models

A role model may be a parent, relative, friend, coach or someone you’ve read about in the newspaper or seen in the news. Make sure you have a role model. If suitable role models are not nearby, research them and read about them.

• Learn/ Read

Read magazines, articles, books, biographies and watch videos. Always be learning something new.

• Honesty

Be honest with yourself. Never seek immediate results because you’ll be bitterly disappointed. Understand that soccer is a journey and not a destination.

• Never Cheat

Never use sport enhancing drugs. People who believe in drugs don’t believe in themselves, enough said.

• Friendships

Avoid friendships with people who do not share your goals and commitments. Nonsupportive relationships waste time and energy.

• Hardship

Soccer is difficult. Expect setbacks and learn from them. Through struggle you create strength.

Last but not least,

• Ambition & Strength

Ambition is the key to growth. Every day of your life is precious and one without growth is squandered. Also expect to be teased, even ridiculed at times. Should this stop you? This will only make you stronger and more determined. Next time someone ridicules you at training and you happen to contest a 50-50 ball with them, put them in the stands.

As my father preached to me when I was playing,

“Better his mum cries, than yours.”