This week, our players explored flexible thinking, or the ability to adjust your plan when things don’t go as expected.
On the field, players worked on creating passing angles, learning to move around defenders, find open space, and create a clear path to their teammates.
When one passing lane was blocked, they learned to look, adjust, and find another way.
Off the field, we connected that same mindset to making healthy choices. When peer pressure or an unsafe situation gets in the way, players can change the plan, choose a healthy alternative, walk away, or reach out to a trusted adult.
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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, 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!
