Honoring Freedom and Inspiring a Lifetime of Love for Soccer!
Happy Veterans Day! As we honor the courageous men and women who fought for our freedoms today, let’s also consider the freedom to help our young children find lasting joy in soccer—a freedom worth fighting for, too.
Did you know that 70-75% of teens quit soccer by the time they’re old enough for high school? That’s right! So many young players give up the game just when they could be starting to love it even more. Why? Well, one big reason is the ‘traditional’ one goal to attack and one goal to defend approach to youth soccer. It’s so focused on strict rules and competition that the real joy of the game can get lost along the way. And the thing most kids love most—scoring goals—doesn’t always get enough focus in the game they’re playing.
What if there were a different way? Imagine a game where the goal isn’t just to win but to score a lot, work together, and have fun doing it. That’s the idea behind the 4-goal game! Instead of strict formations and rigid structures, this format lets players focus on scoring lots of goals, which is often the most exciting part for kids and teens. It’s about playing with heart and creativity and enjoying the freedom to truly love the game.
The Benefits Go Beyond the Field
Keeping kids involved in soccer means much more than keeping them on a field. Soccer offers incredible benefits for teens that go way beyond the game itself. Playing builds strength, endurance, and agility, which are so important during their growth years. But it also teaches discipline, resilience, and teamwork—skills that are critical for handling the ups and downs of teenage life. And let’s not forget the friendships! Soccer provides a social space where teens can connect, support each other, and build lifelong bonds.
These years can be tough, and physical activities like soccer help teens manage stress and build confidence in ways that support their overall well-being.
How Can We Make This Happen?
As parents, coaches, and community members, we can help steer youth soccer toward something different—something that lasts. This Veterans Day, let’s honor the freedom we cherish by giving our kids the freedom to experience soccer as a game they’ll want to play long after their teen years. Let’s try new approaches, like the 4-goal game, that focus on scoring, creativity, and lots of fun. Let’s help young players find a lifelong love of the game that doesn’t end when they turn 15.
Here’s to a new kind of freedom—the freedom to play, grow, and love the game for life Wishing everyone a Meaningful Veterans Day and a future filled with joy on and off the field!
