Soccer Taught Me More Than Just How to Kick a Ball

Favian Gonzalez
Aug 24, 2017 · 4 min read

I’m the one on crutches. || @mke_visionary9 on Instagram

Life is a Team Sport

Soccer, like coexistence requires community — a team. However, whereas in soccer you play against other teams, society is one big team with (arguably) the common goal to improve each community for those who reside in them now, and leave them in a better position for the generations to come. That’s how to win the game of life.

Every position is vital to the success of the team. Every player has different gifts and qualities, and plays a different position, but only through working as one unit can a victory be accomplished.

In soccer, when you get out of position, the entire team is suddenly in trouble unless the other players are willing to drop and cover for you while you get back in position. In life, many times you will be out of position. You will not always be at your best. Life gets hard sometimes. You won’t always be right. But the community only progresses if every players’ needs are met. There must be people who are in better positions than those struggling, who are willing to lend a hand. You’ll need humility to ask for help when you’re down. And when you’re in a better position than others, you must be generous enough to give a hand to your neighbors.

A coach of mine just recently said, “Sometimes you’ll have an awful game, but soccer is a team sport. When you’re playing bad, your 10 teammates on the field are going to have your back and pick you up. There will be other times when you’re going to have an amazing game and your teammates will need you to pick them up.” That’s how you move forward. You need your teammates and your teammates need you. Your teammates on the bench will have your back as well, and you should have theirs. Life gives you and I different roles to play, but each is important.

Successful teams are those with players who listen and who give constructive feedback to one another. When a team does not communicate properly, or when a player chooses not to listen, the entire team suffers. Listen to the needs of others, and to their suggestions. It’s okay to disagree, but not okay to disrespect. Communicate respectfully. The team needs all of its players, including those on the bench. These are those who may not have the same privileges as you, but may sometimes see the game of life through a better point of view. Their voice matters. From these players much can be learned.


Final thoughts and takeaway:

When you live in such a diverse society, it is difficult to understand everybody else’s perspective. But listen always because your teammate may be in a better position than you to see the entire field. Other times, you will have a better view, and you’ll have to demand that your teammate listens to you if you want to prevent a goal against. Many times you’ll have to yell, and your teammate may impulsively respond with anger. But eventually they will thank you because your intention was not to blame them, rather to save the game.

When you step onto the field you have to give it your best. Wake up every morning with good intentions and ready to be better than you were the day before. Trust your teammates and work hard for one another. When times get tough, cover for those who are out of position, and win the ball back. The reality is that life isn’t always going to go your way, and it won’t be as simple as you’d like. But you can’t win a game unless you score, and you can’t score unless you take shots. You also can’t win by allowing the other team to score.

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr

Remember, this game of life is one against hate and division. You must not allow that to be greater than love. Keep the ball as much as possible.

Be a voice for others

Every good thing you do for someone else, regardless of how big or small it may seem, is a shot taken against hate and division. Continue to take shots on goal by spreading love and respect. Think about the big picture. Put the success of the team first. Play for your teammates on the field and for those on the bench. Be a voice for them. Eventually, they’ll come onto the field and will make an impact for the good of the team. Be kind today, and lead with character and humility. And in the words of my good friend, “Never be afraid to take the game winning shot.”


AMDG

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Favian Gonzalez

Written by

23 years old | “Everybody has a story” | AMDG

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