This week, our Play Smart, Live Strong players learned that seeking help is a strength! Knowing when a situation is too difficult to handle alone and knowing who to turn to is an important part of making smart and healthy choices.
On the field, players practiced playing out of pressure, learning to stay calm, shield the ball, find a teammate, and use a pass to escape when defenders close in.
We connected that same strategy to life. When we feel stressed, confused, or pressured to make an unhealthy choice, we don’t have to handle it alone. We can reach out to a trusted adult – parent, coach, teacher, or friend, who can help us find a safe way forward.
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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!
