How Soccer Has Influenced Me Research Paper

Like so many American youth, I was exposed to various activities during early childhood: Little Kickers soccer, YMCA tee ball, Upwards basketball, and midget football. While I enjoyed aspects of all of these, soccer, by far, provided me with the most positive experiences. Being born slightly prematurely, my lack of size sometimes created challenges; however, this was never the case with soccer. My size was not a barrier, but in fact, it was often an attribute. I have played organized soccer for the past fourteen years and it has shaped me into the person I am today. Soccer has enabled me to create lasting friendships with a variety of different people, has allowed me to travel abroad multiple times, and has strengthened my core value system. Soccer has given me the opportunity to meet friends from many different backgrounds. It is the one constant among us, despite socio-economic, geographical, and ethnic differences. Some of my friends live nearby and attend the same school as I do. We began playing together years ago in a recreational league and now in our final high school season. Other friends live a short distance away in neighboring communities and states.

I will never forget touring the concentration camp in Germany, visiting cathedrals in the Czech Republic, walking along the cobblestone streets in Belgium, eating ‘real’ pizza in Italy or playing soccer alongside my teammates on a foreign “pitch”. While languages, foods, and customs may vary from country-to-country, soccer (or futbol as it is often referred to in European countries) is exactly the same. Traveling abroad has helped me to appreciate the uniqueness of each country, and realize that while differences exist between countries and the people that live there, more similarities exist than differences. I have a better understanding of these similarities and differences and can truly value