This week, our Junior National Academy players took part in a special Play Smart, Live Strong lesson on Positive Influence, paired with the soccer skill of Leading a Team!
Players explored how leadership goes beyond being a captain. It means encouraging teammates, communicating clearly, staying positive through challenges, and helping the whole team work toward a common goal.
The lesson also highlighted how choices off the field can influence those around us. By choosing a healthy, substance-free lifestyle and encouraging friends to do the same, young athletes can set a positive example both on and off the pitch.
Through discussion and soccer drills, our JNA players learned that everyone has the ability to make a positive influence in every choice and action they make.
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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!
