“They can play”

Jennifer Larrick
Jul 10, 2017 · 1 min read

Trainings continued. We scrimmaged in the evenings. I knew the vast majority of our girls didn’t play club soccer, and so I was curious to see their level of play. I anticipated somewhat haphazard play: difficulty controlling the ball, poor team shape, chaos.

I was wrong.

Sure, there were moments of chaotic play, but more often then not, there were moments of thoughtful play. Methodically moving the ball up the field. Passing with a purpose. Tactical decision-making. These girls understood the game. But how? How did they learn how to play? If they didn’t play club soccer, how did they play? I assumed it must just be from their prior experiences with high school soccer. Maybe middle school soccer? Maybe they practiced sometimes on their own at home?

“They look pretty good!”, I commented to Kyle.

“Yeah, they can play. Some of them can really play.”

Jennifer Larrick

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I write about soccer experiences from a youthwork coaching and sport social justice perspective. I explore what the game is and imagine what it could be.