Strong players stop harmful choices from entering their lives!
This week’s lesson taught players that one of the strongest things you can say is a simple, confident “No.”
On the pitch, players worked on their defensive skills by staying focused, standing their ground, and stopping opponents from moving forward.
We connected this to their direct refusal skills. Just like defenders block their opponents in soccer, young people can protect themselves by confidently saying no to harmful choices like alcohol or marijuana.
Through discussion and training, players learned that confidence, strong body language, and clear communication can help them stay in control both in the game and in life.
______
The Play Smart, Live Strong initiative by the Northern Mariana Islands Football Association empowers our youth to make healthy choices on and off the field. Together with the Saipan Soccer School After School Program, we are using the power of soccer to promote substance-free lifestyles and reduce the risk factors related to underage drinking and marijuana use.
Every week we will share about our practical lessons, group discussion highlights, and soccer skills we learned to support our players as they Play Smart, Live Strong!
