This week, our players learned that one of the smartest decisions you can make when facing pressure is to simply walk away.
On the field, players practiced transition movement — reacting quickly when the game changes, finding open space, and moving into better positions to help their team succeed.
Off the field, we connected this skill to real-life situations. Just as players transition when possession changes, they can also choose to leave situations that feel unsafe or uncomfortable.
Walking away from alcohol, marijuana, or negative influences is not quitting! It’s making a smart play.
Through our group discussion and training, players learned that healthy choices often start with recognizing when it’s time to move and finding teammates who will support them along the way.
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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!
