Soccer is one of my biggest interests. I play for Uni's soccer team. I follow professional soccer. I even play a soccer video game.
I first played soccer when I was in second grade. My dad had signed me up for a local Park District team. Based on my (biased and scattered) memory, I was one of the star players and scored an impressive 5 goals. So, you could say I was a natural. Unfortunately, due to my focus on table tennis, I stopped playing soccer until my freshmen year.
Since returning to the sport, I have had dreams of becoming a professional. Every day I imagine the feeling of scoring in front of millions, hearing the crowd roar, and celebrating with my teammates. I imagine representing my nation. I imagine celebrating titles. I imagine winning the FIFA Men's Player of the Year Award.
Unfortunately, these dreams aren't very realistic. I still, however, love the game. Soccer has always been an escape for me. Playing soccer is a time where I can solely focus on something I love. There has never been a dull moment and I have enjoyed every second.
You may have heard the phrase, "the beautiful game," used when referring to soccer. Although it is quite fascinating and captivating to watch athletes kick a ball around with amazing accuracy and skill, I believe that the nickname refers to emotions that can be evoked by soccer.
As a player, there are some feelings I experience playing soccer that cannot be found anywhere else. For example, there is no feeling like scoring an exquisite goal. There is no feeling like placing a perfect pass. There is no feeling like blowing past a defender. There is no feeling like tackling an attacker. There is no feeling like lifting the Sectional title.
Unfortunately, I have experienced many sad emotions as well. Losing the ball, conceding a goal, misplacing a pass, missing the goal, and losing a game all bring their own emotions.
Even fans can experience these emotions. I remember attending my first professional soccer match. It was an exciting game and a roller coaster of emotions. The game didn't start out great, as the team I was supporting, Chicago Fire, went down 2-0. In the second half, Chicago Fire scored three goals and took the lead. Every time the ball landed in the back of the net, the whole stadium exploded. Screams of joy, excitement, and pride rang throughout the stands. Unfortunately, the other team quickly responded and scored 2 goals within 2 minutes. The previously electric atmosphere was replaced by moans and boos. Within the 90 minutes of the game, I had experienced everything from disappointment to elation.
Soccer has become an important part of my life. Not only does the sport elicit powerful emotions, but it also brings people together. I have connected with many people due to soccer; many of my friendships, especially with people in different grade levels, have come from our mutual love for soccer. It is something we can watch together, discuss together, and play together.
Soccer truly is a beautiful game.
“Football is life in microcosm.” – Will Ahlgren
Soccer has become an important part of my life. Not only does the sport elicit powerful emotions, but it also brings people together. I have connected with many people due to soccer; many of my friendships, especially with people in different grade levels, have come from our mutual love for soccer. It is something we can watch together, discuss together, and play together.
Soccer truly is a beautiful game.
“Football is life in microcosm.” – Will Ahlgren
Lol I wasn't expecting to see my brother quoted in this post that was a fun surprise. I totally agree with your (and his) opinion of soccer. Growing up in my house there was always a soccer game playing. Although I only recently became a fan myself, I agree that soccer is one of the most beautiful sports to watch. I also love the environment of watching the games, especially this summer's World Cup.
ReplyDeleteGoosebumps. I relate so hard to the dreams of being a pro soccer player, though deep down knowing it's practically impossible. You're also lucky you got to see such a good game! As much as I've wanted to, I've never been to a pro soccer game. Mainly because my dad doesn't like actually attending sports events, because he says it's "just as good" to watch on TV. He just doesn't understand the emotions in an arena. Fave post I've read so far.
ReplyDeleteI know I talk a lot about how soccer isn't a real sport, but this was a good post. It's always more interesting to read people's writing when they're passionate about the subject. I feel the same way about running. I could relate to the excitement you say winning gives you, the desire to be a professional, and the knowledge that it's not realistic.
ReplyDeleteSoccer has always been my biggest out-of-school activity, and it shaped my life. My friend group throughout elementary school and middle school was kids I played soccer with.
ReplyDeleteThe emotions on field are like nothing else, as you said. I still remember the mountain of emotions I felt during the STM game last year, and the feeling of elation when we won.
I love the quote at the end from Will Ahlgren. He was a great role model. I see that you have similar dreams to me. I also dream of being a professional athlete one day, and it probably won't happen. I've never really been into soccer, but as time passes, I'm starting to understand the beauty of the game. There's a reason why soccer is still the most popular sport in the world. Great post.
ReplyDeleteAlthough you might not guess it, I used to play soccer a lot. I was goalie for Little Illini Soccer Club (which is now IFC?). I quit around forth grade because I hurt my wrist pretty badly and I couldn't play violin for a couple weeks. Reading this post made me remember all the fun times that I had playing soccer. Great job!
ReplyDeleteI love this post because it shows the deeper side of sports. Oftentimes sports can be seen as just a game but I think that you explored the emotional side of sports which I think is crucial. I also like seeing that I am not the only one that has fantasies of becoming a pro athlete :)
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