Guest Blog Post from Alex who is a GOALS Ambassador

As my time as a college student and likewise, my time as a soccer player, are coming to an end sooner than I expected, I find myself reflecting on all of the lessons soccer has taught me. From U-6 rec games in my adult double-XL t-shirt to playing for my dream school’s club team, I couldn’t imagine myself or my life without soccer. The coaches, the teammates, the triumphs, the disappointments, and the struggles have all made me the person that I am today. As I pass the equipment that my community and I have loved so dearly onto GOALS, I’d like to share some of the most important lessons I’ve learned. I hope that every young athlete finds these same lessons to be true and can enjoy growing up through soccer just like I did.

Confidence: We are not taught enough how important self-confidence is. I owe it all to soccer for instilling the confidence in me that I need to go forth and be successful in the world. However, that confidence is earned. Long practices, days of hot summer conditioning, and many tears after games build up that unshakable confidence in who we are and just how much we are capable of.

Tenacity: Whether it’s digging deep in the last few minutes of a hard game or overcoming injuries, soccer demands a certain persistence from all who choose to play. Some of the toughest lessons I have learned have been on the field, and I carry the persistence and the drive to fight on with me in every aspect of my life.

Finally (and most importantly): Love. We have to care for one another and form the genuine bonds of friendship and teamwork that are so rare in our world today. Soccer creates a common unity between people that may otherwise not have much in common. Teamwork and success collapse without the core foundation of care, empathy, and unity. The love of the game is truly what brings us all together: from generation to generation, country to country, player to player.

I support GOALS Haiti because I know they share my emphasis on the lifelong benefits of playing soccer. With each jersey, ball, pair of socks, and pair of cleats that we send comes a unique story and a memory from someone here in Canandaigua who loved to play. May all of the equipment continue to represent a common dedication, passion, and love of the game for many years to come. I wish GOALS Haiti all the best of luck and I will always stand behind the limitless possibilities of the organization and of the young athletes that are going to change our world for the better. - Alex