Sean's Shadow Spiel    

In early December I was afforded the opportunity to travel to Barcelona to witness firsthand the players of FC Barcelona train and play, from their seven year olds to their senior team for both their men and women.  One of the added benefits of the trip was that I was able to go with two good friends; one of whom was a

James, Sean and Kevin with new friend Lionel Messi?!

college teammate of mine, James Charette, and Shadow colleague Kevin Moon. 

There is no better team than Barcelona at the moment.  The players they have assembled make up arguably the best team of all time.  Lionel Messi has won an unprecedented three straight player of the world trophies (FIFA Ballon d'Or.)  He is teamed with Xavi, Iniesta, Pujol, Alvez, Valdez, Busquets and more.  Their playing style sets the standard of possession soccer, of attacking soccer and of winning soccer.  Pep Guardiola, a Barcelona player from the beginning, has been the head coach for over three years now, winning 13 titles out of a possible 16 during this period, which is truly a remarkable record when you consider that they are playing the very best that the world has to offer! 

Consequently, there was no possible way that this trip could not be anything other than fantastic, and in all seriousness, it exceeded expectations.  However, the most lasting and reinforcing experience was that it is most important that players enjoy playing.  This is Pep's message to his players and this is FC Barcelona's message to all of its players.  It does not matter if you are seven years old or 37 years old, the game is meant to be enjoyed by players. 

I encourage us all to help that be the case for the players in our charge; let's help them enjoy this great game.  One of the many things that stood out was how FCB had the parents of the youth players organized to watch a game.  All parents were seated behind a goal on one end of the field.  What was also distinct was that parents of FCB players restricted their comments to praises and encouragements.  Instructing of players just was not heard; criticizing of referees was not heard (actually, in Spain there is only one referee per game up to the age of 16; the same thing was true on my trip to Argentina.)  It was certainly noticeable; even in a foreign language. 

"Més que un club" is the motto of FC Barcelona.  "More than a club."  Barca believes that is more than just the training session that occurs today or the game that is played this weekend.  It must be more than just a win or loss.  There is a holistic approach to the player; the player must be considered as a whole and not compartmentalized as just a soccer player (or a basketball, futsal or hockey player...Barca has those sports also.)  Everything that they do is with this in mind and it is very impressive to witness.  

B00 U11 Navy & Coach Niko cheer on the Sounders!

Players are going to have memories of their childhood; adults are going to have an influence on whether they have positive or negative memories when it comes to sport.  They are not going to remember many of their games when they reach parenthood themselves, but they are going to remember the feeling they had when they played.  It is up to each one of us to make sure we do our best to help ensure that upon reflection our players will smile. 

I often smile about my youth soccer days; one of my memories, which my college teammate referenced above is fond to remind others about whenever he introduces me, occurred during State Cup in days long gone by.  We grew up on rival teams; one such game occurred in February in the mid 1980s.  You understand the weather in February in Seattle.  Additionally, back then we were not as "advanced" as teams are today.  My team only had one jersey - it was white.  We were the home team.  Well, my friend's coach decided they would wear white and force us to change.  Force us, he did.  We had no other jersey so we had to go Skins!  Again, this was February...and uh, yeah, we were playing on a sand field.  I believe we won the game; we may have tied, I'm not sure at this point.  However, what does remain is a good story to tell and one that to this day still brings a smile...and certainly a laugh from my friend.  The moral of the story?  No matter what the circumstances may bring, the game can still be enjoyed! 

Players, enjoy the game and all that it brings!  Coaches, help ensure that each player does!  Parents, enjoy watching your child play! 

Go Barca!  Go Shadow!