This week’s lesson reminded our players that resilience is one of the most important qualities both in soccer and in life!
Together with our friends from Shonan Bellmare Football Club, players discussed:
- How to bounce back after mistakes
- Positive self-talk and encouraging teammates
- Asking for help when challenges feel too big
- Why healthy choices help athletes stay ready when the game gets tough
On the field, everyone practiced transitioning quickly from attack to defense, communicating under pressure, and supporting one another through every drill and scrimmage.
Thank you to our visiting players and coaches from Japan for creating a wonderful morning of learning, teamwork, and friendship!
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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!
