We hear people complaining more and more about the United States not making the 2018 World Cup. How there are so many people to blame for the failure that we experienced. I have a question for you.
What if I was to tell you that you were to blame. Am I part of the problem?
You are the part of the problem and NOT part of the solution. You are creating more problems for the next generation here in the United States.
(We aren’t saying Olé has it all together…we are FAAAAAARRRR from that but hear us out)
How? What?
You’re probably thinking how while reading this right. Seems like in the football culture in the U.S. and specifically in the youth soccer scene, we have a “me first” mentality. This mentality is what’s in it for me and what can I get out of it. We worry so much about how I can advance quicker as a professional, or how can my child advance the fastest.
What WE should be thinking about is how can WE advance together. What are WE doing to create more solutions instead of creating more problems. Sounds simple right…yea right! If it was so easy, everyone would be doing it.
What’s holding us back
Three little letters…E-G-O!
Ego is defined as, a person’s sense of self-esteem or self-importance.
Now by reading that we circle back to the same thing, what’s in it for ME…instead of WE? If we are to move forward, our mindset needs to change from this big ego thinking to more of a collective goal mindset. This of course will take time and not everyone will buy into it. I totally get it but will give you evidence below on how OUR club is helping the game locally.
Importance of Open Pick Ups
As a kid all I wanted to do is play football. Whether it be at home, school and even after practice. One key thing we tap into is the importance of pick-up games for young players. When we played on the street as kids, was there ever a ref? You called your own fouls or sometimes you can say, what fouls?!
The importance of “free play” is something that our next generation is in need of. Lots of structure in clubs and philosophies that are all fine and dandy. Trust me, I get it! These last 2 months of watching these pick-up games have been such a joy to be around that it has created FOMO (Fear of missing out) for our families.
If you are not there on Fridays, you are missing out! That is very true, because the Friday environments are something you can’t duplicate. The intensity, creativity, freedom, expression and competition are all part of the Friday culture we are offering for all players interested in coming out.
Who can Show Up
We like to leave this open to all players in the area willing or daring to step on the court. Open to boys & girls born 2011-2005. Competition is stiff, but this is the culture we are instilling at a young age. We are based out of the San Fernando Valley (just North of LA), with families attending from all over the LA County. It’s pretty awesome to see the dedicated families showing up from Palmdale, Pasadena, Los Angeles, Calabasas, and surrounding cities in the San Fernando Valley to be part of the Friday culture.
Going Back
Now, this is just one example of a solution to the obstacles we must overcome in the U.S. As we know, there are a ton of things we cannot, nor should control. But there are some things we need to take control of in our own environments. The solutions start within and then slowly start to spread. Of course, pick-up games are nothing new but how can we make them even better and share ideas of how to raise the game together!
Let’s put our egos to the side, we all want to compete and have our players be the “best” out there. We are on the same path and want to help create a community of change that can help a child learn values not only on the field but off the field that will shape them to be an amazing human being.
I am proud to say that because of this beautiful game I am able to impact lives doing what I love! Thanks for reading and share this if you think someone else may find it valuable.
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One Love,
Walter Merino
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If not, we recommend you make your way to the Açaí Jungle Cafe. It is located on Victory and Magnolia almost. This is next to Gracie Barra’s Jiu-jitsu studio who I was told is also the owner of both businesses.
We vote with our dollars so whatever you purchase you are supporting what their message is as well as their mission to impact the world in a positive or negative way. I would actually go and purchase Yogurtland often, but after coming across the 
Each child should be responsible to bring their own soccer ball to practice. A coach can only do so much and this also helps the child become responsible for taking care of their ball. The most passionate players around the world can’t sleep without their ball next to them.
When playing futsal, you notice that the space is tight and your first touch is key for your team to keep possession. Ball movement is quick and it is non stop. Finding the space on the small court is key so the person off the ball must be moving all the time to give their team an option.
In an ideal world, we would all like to have the most talented and hardest working players. The players that would run through a wall for any coach, any team, any club and know they could because it would be for the benefit of the team.
This is something I am constantly trying to do as a parent and a coach. Look for a peer or another professional you can learn from and challenge yourself to strive for more. If I am a coach, I try to play superior teams to see how my team fairs against them. It is not about who has the better team at the end, it is about who challenges their team and teammates to be their best.
There will always be someone better than you at something! That is the harsh reality of life. We are never going to be the best, someone will always be just a little better. But, as long as I am the best I can be, I will be satisfied with that effort I gave. Last thing I want to do is live with regret, knowing that I could have done just a little more. Gave a little more effort to be better than I was yesterday. Could have run just a little faster, studied a little longer, cared a little more to be MY BEST!