Somehow, being designated as a Partner supports us in keeping true to the experience. And to think someone else is willing to watch over us, and help us in case we need it!!! Well, that’s pretty wonderful, too.
Soccer is the quintessential team sport. Every player has a role. By learning to give and receive, it helps progress. It helps move the ball forward. It helps in establishing connection, and it helps us in capturing some wonderful moments.
Every time I walk onto the field, I am reminded that we never stop learning… that each and every one of us has our own process…. that each and every one of us has our own pace. Whether we are taking our first ‘independent’ steps, transitioning from “Kickers to Shooters”, practicing in our classes or competing in our SKUSA LEAGUE…Pace reminds us of our differences, our preferences, and allows us to see and learn from other’s choices while taking pride in our own.
Over the years, Justin and I have learned that no two SoccerKids are the same, no two coaches are the same…no two families are the same. We are all students and no matter what age or stage of life we are in, every experience presents an opportunity for us to learn and grow. It’s how we “show up” that makes the difference…
Growth Mindset is a concept developed from decades of research by Carol Dweck, a world-renowned Stanford University psychologist who studied achievements and successes. “Growth Mindset People believe basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment. Virtually all great people have had these qualities.”
This premise has become part of SoccerKidsUSA’s philosophy and runs hand in hand with what we do on the field… a nice reminder when challenges come our way. Soccer can be a special time for our players…a time for them to learn, make new friends and run in the grass (mostly) with the sun shining on their faces! Each week, our theme will change, but our intention will remain the same… to teach our SoccerKids the love of learning. Our fields are a place where your kids are acknowledged for the effort they make, and encouraged to do the best they can!
What is SoccerKidsUSA? Watch as we take you through our great programs for kids and hear from some of our parents!
Watch as Coach Justin describes the concept of shielding in detail for SoccerKidsUSA
Coach Justin (my husband, partner and best friend) has been an avid soccer player all of his life… starting in Israel, moving on to Chicago, Wisconsin, LA, and now back to Chicago…his energy, passion and love for the game continues to amaze me. For as long as we have been together (coming up on 15 years), Justin has always had a special way with kids… they say it takes one to know one 
. With a background in theater, and a storyteller at heart… Coach Justin truly found his audience on our “field of imagination~”
My background is in psychology, I guess that’s why my intrigue with soccer has always had less to do with the game itself and more to do with the study of human dynamics… Growing up, I didn’t play soccer, or team sports…I was a cheerleader. Justin kept begging me to join him on the field… I kept resisting. The thought of interacting with kids terrified me… and I knew nothing about the game.
Who woudda thunk that when I grew up, I’d be a soccer coach ?
As our “art project” started to “present itself”… our vision became clear….we were going to create a magical community that kids wanted to come back to…that parents enjoyed. And here we are…9 years later… still playing in the park with our friends… oh… how lucky we are!
Our foundation has been built upon the concept of teaching life lessons through the game of soccer in a nurturing, loving, supportive environment. We teach through repetition, imagination and play. Each week, our theme will change, but our intention will remain the same… to teach our SoccerKids the love of learning. Our fields are a place where your kids are acknowledged for the effort they make, and encouraged to do the best they can!
Thanks for playing for us!
Julie and I were watching part of the UEFA cup (Barcelona vs. Arsenal) last night and took in a great game. Julie pointed out how well Barcelona was playing – they were dominating the play. Then the momentum shifted and Arsenal made a great comeback for a 2-2 tie. It was really fun to watch, and made us realize: with soccer (and sports, in general) you never know what’s going to happen until the final whistle blows. The best laid plans sometimes do shift, and the predictable becomes unpredictable. In the same vein, there’s plenty to be said for the ritual of preparation. It’s the readiness and preparation that provide possibilities to the opportunities that arise. How fun (incredible, too!); sports are a fantastic metaphor in life.
