Forza Italia!

I have just returned from Italy where I spent a week on a coaching educational tour. It was an extraordinary experience.  From the history to the culture to the food to the wine to the soccer, it was all that I could ask for...well, I could always for more soccer!

We visited professional clubs of Roma, Fiorentina, AC Milan, Inter

Me and Sergio Zanetti of Inter Milan. U18 Coach and brother of legendary Javier.

Milan and the Italian soccer federation as they provided us insights and glimpses into their youth soccer goals, objectives and organization.  I was able to witness one of my all time favorite players, Francisco Totti of Roma, play an incredible game and was able to hear from the top people involved in Italian soccer.  Additionally, I was alongside coaches from across our country that are involved with our youth national teams, MLS clubs and top youth clubs; this proved very insightful as we were able to share in the rewards and challenges of youth soccer in our own country.

All in all, quite educational!  One lesson I will share was heard at the youth training center for Inter Milan.  A coach asked the Inter Technical Director, why are parents not allowed to watch training sessions (this holds true from U8-18)?  The answer: "because parents put too much pressure on their child.  We want them to be in an environment that allows them to grow without unnecessary stress."

I challenge all of us parents to think about this statement.  When we watch our child play this great sport, do we aid in their enjoyment or do we detract?  Are we encouraging and praising them or are we telling them what they can do better?  Do we thank them for their effort and for who they are, or do we tell them they need to work harder?  Do we help to alleviate stress or do we add to it?

We should at least contemplate what contribution we make to our child's enjoyment of playing.  I would encourage each of us to be very intentional about how we can make the soccer field a better place for each child, no matter the age, to thrive at being themselves, to be affirmed in who they are as a person and to enjoy being active.  It is a challenge to grow up; life is hard sometimes.  We adults are suppose to be of good service to the children we influence - to help make life a little bit easier to traverse.  Let's all look to intentionally do so!

In the Spirit of the Game,

Sean Bushéy
Technical Director, SSC Shadow

2013 State Cup Play Continues!

by Neal Blakely, PT, APEX Physical Therapy