I have been asked recently about why I spend the time and funds I do for my son to play soccer. Last night that was answered. My son’s team lost. They lost a BIG game. They lost state cup semi-finals. They lost the game in PK shoot outs in the 7th round after playing two full halves and two overtime periods. During this game my son and his teammates never gave up. They played through fatigue and many through injuries. When the situation got tense they turned to each other. Their communication improved, they support of each other increased, and when the game ended in a loss they immediately turned to each for comfort and support.

After the game the texts immediately began. Thirteen-year-old boys were telling each that they loved each other, that they were the best friends they have ever had, that they will never forget the year they had, and that they would rather lose with this team than win with any other group. I honestly don’t know how much soccer my son learned this year. I don’t understand the game enough to know, but I can tell you what youth soccer has taught him. He learned that hard work will pay off, he learned that when faced adversity you don’t give up, he has learned to set goals and figure out how to achieve them, he learned his belief in his own abilities is far greater than the disbelief others may show, he has learned to communicate, he has learned how to settle conflict, he has learned how to have confidence in himself in uncomfortable situations, he learned he had the ability to lead, he has learned to take risks, he has learned to work with those who are different in thinking and personality than him, he has learned to trust and believe in others, he has learned that it okay to ask for help and lean on the strength of others, he learned you get better results when you build others up instead on putting them down, he has learned the power of friendship, he has learned the power of comforting and kind words, and is learning that it really isn’t about the win or the loss but about playing the game!

Will my kid play soccer next year? Yes, as long as he wants to. Is it worth my time and money? Yes, without question.