Clunk...
that was the sound of the ah ah lava rock as is bounced off my head. I reached up to feel the lump growing and found a puddle. I pulled my fingers from my head to the front of my face. The red oozed down my my middle and index finger. My first thought was revenge! My second thought was, "that kid has another rock!"
"I'm Telling!!!" I yelled as I darted into the house. My little brother's face went white as he turned to try and catch me for negotiations.
He was not successful in his attempt, Luckily.
This moment in my life triggered more than a headache and a pretty likely spanking.
This was the moment it was declared, "THAT'S IT! You kids NEED a sport!!"
Hallelujah!!
This was where my soccer career began.
I found my strength and pride on the field. I was something to be reckoned with (truth be told, the whole damn family was excellent at it!). I'd had no power in my life before, yet I was boss on the field. Simply, soccer saved my life.
Soccer is my airplane. I have moved around the country and the world, with no fear ever, because I have soccer. I will always find somebody to play the sport. I have always found friends through the game. I have been invited into new communities and cultures through the game.
Soccer is a game of family and generations. I have played against 7 year olds and 70 year olds, and gotten my butt kicked both ways! Luckily, the 70 year olds usually want a drink after the game.
Soccer is a game of tradition. It is somewhat traditional to have that drink after the game, but it is more traditional to sit down and connect as you prepare to play or leave the game. You have to talk to these people and figure each other out. There are no boundaries in soccer.
Soccer doesn't care what color or size you are. You wear a jersey or penny or t-shirt to let the others know whose team you're on. This is your label for the game. Nobody cares that you're purple, but they care if you're lazy.
Soccer forces you to not be lazy. You can be lame, but you can't be lazy. Working your ass off is just part of the sport. There is no, "waiting for your turn". You're up the moment the whistle blows, and you better run. If you can still run.
Soccer is for everybody. You may not be able to run anymore, but if you have legs you can move. There are enough fakes, and tricks in the game you can just pull off a quick Maradona and be on your way. Or, the position of goalie is usually available for the crazy or those wishing they can be lazy. No matter what, you will learn to perform.
Soccer teaches. Communication is key to the game. Talking to your teammates opens up lines of communication and travel for that ball. You have to work together and you'll figure that out with a quickness when faced with a bombarding opponent. Finding your strength will come with one quick or lucky move.
Soccer, luckily, changed my life and my path. It enhanced my life and made me a better person. It channeled energy that may have otherwise gonna toward revenge and turned it into teamwork and strength.
Soccer enhanced my life. Soccer gave me the travel, family, tradition, strength, and power I did not have in my home life.
Simply, Soccer saved my life and I don't think I'm the only one.
pelada-movie
