Soccer lessons are life lessons as well

Soccer lessons are life lessons as well

AUTHOR: Levin Sallamon

Is there anything better for kids than to be part of a community, in which to learn the most important lessons in life? A safe place to develop strengthes and to learn respect, self-confidence and trust.

Four and a half years ago, soccer coach Jason and his indigenous friend Omar decided to turn the local youth soccer team into an academy. The impact on the children’s training progresses and the aspect of professionality should have been enhanced.

Soccer lessons are life lessons as well

Jason is delighted that many families request the local service of the academy. Kids from 3-17 years can participate meanwhile the majority of the young talents is between 6 and 15 years old. Jason seems proud when he reports that there are currently children from over 14 countries playing fort he academy.

„Our goal is simple: we want to create a safe, fun atmosphere to plug“, he says. Primarily grown up in Louisina, Jason came to Costa Rica in 2007. Him and his wife, who is from Honduras, have grown two sons. It is no question that both play in the academy in different age classes.

„We want to teach the true significance of discipline, character and responsibility. I give you an example: if we meet on 9:30 at a gameday, everyone should get straight that you have to be there at least at 9:25 or even earlier.“ As a coach, he assumes that expecting a lot from the children can enhance their work ethic not only in sports, but furhter in their professional careers. „We want the kids to learn for life.“

Further, he and his other coaches approach to take the academy to the next level: „We dream to see the kids play in the highest level both in national and international terms.“ He wishes that the children and their families have the same standards as others have.

Soccer lessons are life lessons as well

High hopes also take high investments. This is why the membership costs 20.000 colones per month. It is necessary to settle the games and trainings, new equipment such as balls, bibs and the general quality standard of the articficial turf on the training ground. Jason says, the monthly fees are absolutely irreplaceable to the academy.

„To me, it lights up my life being a voice in the kids‘ life. I really do my best to speak into them. I always try to tell them: „dream big and take the hard work. It’s gonna be worth it“. As well, soccer is an important connector between me and my sons, my friends, my familiy“, Jason discusses about the best things for him working as a coach. In the year 2022, the academy aims to take place in a national tournament.

„Some years ago, we participated in an international tournament in Panama. By the end, we even went out as the winners. We all were so proud!“ As a result, you can see that all the dedication towards the academy pays off as there is a constantly growing amount of kids itching to learn soccer.

„To me, it lights up my life being a voice in the kids‘ life. I really do my best to speak into them. I always try to tell them: „dream big and take the hard work. It’s gonna be worth it“. As well, soccer is an important connector between me and my sons, my friends, my familiy“, Jason discusses about the best things for him working as a coach.

In the year 2022, the academy aims to take place in a national tournament. „Some years ago, we participated in an international tournament in Panama. By the end, we even went out as the winners. We all were so proud!“ As a result, you can see that all the dedication towards the academy pays off as there is a constantly growing amount of kids itching to learn soccer.

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