I never expected that watching one soccer game with my dad would lead to a passion that would shape me. The reason I became passionate about the sport is because of my father. When I was little, he always watched soccer games on TV. At first, I didn’t really know what it was about, but one day I sat down on the couch and watched a game next to him. As I watched I asked questions about the sport like “what do yellow cards mean” “why does the game stop at the 45 minute” and “how does red cards impact a game that’s 0-0”. I also watched the players work together by passing the ball to each other, communicating to each other, scoring goals, celebrating together, I became interested. After that, I just wanted to try playing soccer for myself. Ever since I stepped onto the pitch, I have been addicted to the sport. What first started as a curiosity quickly became something I truly love and enjoy every day.
Soccer is more than just a game to me. I say this because it has had a positive impact on my life. For example, one of the biggest reasons that I enjoy playing it’s because it helps me release my stress. My stress is normally caused when I have a bad day at school, or if I’m feeling overwhelmed, but when I go to the soccer fields with my friends or by myself it helps me clear my mind. Two of my favorite things to do that help me release all my stress is kicking the ball as hard as I can, and dribbling past cones while hearing music because it feels like all of my stress leaves my body each kick/dribble I do. Have you ever felt stressed or overwhelmed, well soccer can give you a feeling of freedom and peace.
Another reason I like the sport is because it helps gain confidence. Like for example there have been many times in school or outside of school that I thought I couldn’t do something. Instead of giving up, soccer has taught me that if you keep practicing until you get it (if it’s a skill you’re trying to learn).
Every time I score a goal, make a good cross in the box, or dribble past 2-3 people makes me feel more confident in myself. The confidence gained from the pitch doesn’t just stay on the pitch. It also stays with me during school and helps me believe in myself during big tests. Even if you’ve never played soccer EVER, soccer teaches you that improvements come from effort, not perfection.
Overall, soccer has had a positive impact on me in many ways. It helps me release stress, stay healthy, build confidence, and develop important life skills like leadership, and taking responsibility. It has also brought me a lot of memories with friends and keeps me active instead of spending most of the time on electronics. Soccer to me is a big part of who I am. Soccer is a sport you can play at whatever age.
William Sanchez – Carmel Catholic High School – DMSF Class of 2030
Photo Credit: Jason Charters