what I learned playing soccer

Camarillo Eagles BU16 team huddle before our 4-1 victory in the Cal South League Cup final (2010).

1. If you don’t love what you do, you will not be exceptional.

2. 60% of it is skill. The other 40% is in your head. You must believe in yourself and your abilities.

3. Playing well is a side effect of being happy, loose, and calm.

4. Never linger on mistakes. Let them come and go like the wind.

5. It takes boldness to play well. Take risks and be unpredictable.

6. When your team concedes a goal, stay determined and keep fighting back. Comebacks happen all the time.

7. You’re only as good as your team. And team chemistry is the key ingredient…. without it, you won’t go far.

8. Past success guarantees nothing. You have to show up and play well every day to maintain respect.

9. Give constructive criticism and compliments… not useless criticism to further drain a teammate’s confidence.

10. Pick a player you admire, and study their game. I learned so much studying my soccer idol, Neymar.

Camarillo Eagles BU16 holding the club’s first ever League Cup title (2010).