How to Fall in Love With Soccer, According to 2 adiClub Members and Teammates
There are countless physical and mental benefits to playing on a soccer/football team: increased aerobic capacity, improved cardiovascular health, boosted self-confidence, stronger critical thinking skills, etc. The most important? Building a connection with teammates—on and off the field/pitch.
Meet Gretchen Booth and Jarod Wang. When they joined a recreational co-ed soccer/football league, they were looking to find acceptance and a community. They found that, and so much more. Now playing for the same team, below, the midfielders (and adiClub members!) break down the who, what, when, where, why, and how of the game they’ve always loved.
ON WHO GIVES THEM THE MOST SUPPORT…
Sometimes it’s the person playing in a supporting position. “Gardenia (my partner) is my biggest cheerleader and motivator,” says Jarod who plays left midfield. “We bonded over a life-long love of soccer. On the field/pitch, we’ll run agility drills during one-on-one practices to build up our footwork and speed. When we’re off, we'll discuss the game. If one of us is being hard on ourselves, we'll pick each other back up.”
And sometimes it’s the person that’s been there since day one. “Definitely my mom,” says Gretchen who plays outside midfield. “She’s living vicariously through me because she grew up in a generation where women didn’t really play organized sports, so she made sure her daughters had access. She put me in my first league at 5 and I’ve never stopped playing.”
ON WHAT THEY WANT BEGINNERS TO KNOW…
You're only as strong as your weakest player. “When you join a team, you become a part of something much bigger than yourself,” explains Gretchen. “You have to practice more than just your footwork and drills. You’ll need to learn how to adapt and shift to making decisions together and playing in tune with one another. There’s so much nonverbal communication involved—developing trust for your teammates is essential.”
And don’t forget to have fun with it, and do it for the love of it. “We're not like competing for cash and trophies,” adds Jarod. “Don’t be hard on yourself—it’s no big deal. You’ll miss passes, you’ll miss shots, you’ll make mistakes, and that’s OK because everyone out there is human. You’re playing the biggest sport in the world. Just bring a good attitude and enjoy the game.”
ON WHEN THEY FEEL MOST POWERFUL ON THE FIELD/PITCH…
Mid-game is the perfect time to play with intention. “I feel strongest in those moments when I’m not playing reactively, like when I’m in total possession of the ball,” explains Gretchen. “If I feel like there’s an uncomfortable, panicked energy in the air, I’ll change my gameplay and rhythm dramatically to slow down the game. That forces everyone to take a second to readjust and resettle before we get back into it.”
And there’s no need to be the main character. “I’m at the top of my game when I execute the perfect assist to my teammate,” states Jarod. “Knowing that I’ve contributed to my team’s success is an incredible feeling.”
“The best moment is when you hear that final whistle blow, and everyone is happy and giving each other high-fives and hugs.”–Jarod Wang
ON WHERE THEY THINK SOCCER/FOOTBALL IS MISSING THE MARK…
There’s not enough inclusivity on the spectator level. “After playing in a co-ed league, I definitely think women’s soccer deserves more attention,” shares Jarod. “The women I play with and against are tough as nails. More people should witness it. Los Angeles is finally getting a professional women’s team—hopefully that will help bring more awareness to that side of the sport.”
And there’s room to reinterpret the rules. “Everyone is always so focused on scoring goals,” says Gretchen. “I’d love to see us earn points for great passes, ball control, and sharp footwork. There’s so much more to value about this game than the final score.”
ON WHY THEY NEVER WANT TO STOP PLAYING…
Participating in the sport you love can lead to finding out who you really are. “I’ve realized that I’m my truest self when I’m on the field/pitch,” reveals Jarod. “I’m extremely present and hyper-focused. The confidence I feel out there carries over into my everyday life. Soccer/football has become a huge part of who I am, and it makes me really happy. I look forward to practicing and playing every single week.”
And the community you’ll find out on the field/pitch is second to none. “I love the feeling of connectedness—I feel so incredibly loved and supported,” says Gretchen. “I never expected a traditionally masculine sports setting to be the place where I felt safest coming out with a queer non-binary identity. My teammates have really shown up for me, in more ways than one. Soccer/Football teams can really feel like your chosen family.”
“I always want everyone to feel included. Maybe that comes from not feeling so included many times in my life.”–Gretchen Booth
ON HOW THEY DEFINE WINNING…
You know what they say… It's not whether you win or lose that counts—it’s how you play the game. “Winning definitely isn’t about scoring the most points,” describes Gretchen. “If we played well and lost, I don't care. In my opinion, winning is communicating well while the ball is in and out of play, putting up a really strong offense and defense, and being in sync with the entire team. The win is in the connection.”
And teamwork makes the dream work. “I’ll be honest—I’m competitive,” admits Jarod. “I love seeing us on top of the scoreboard. But there’s something to be said about playing a really good game. When we’re all working together and passing the ball between us seamlessly, I see that as a win. Collectively performing well has its merits, too.”
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