By Louise Masin Sattler, Varsity Soccer Mom (owner of Signing Families)

I began being a Soccer Mom about 15 years ago when our son chose to be part of the local parks and recreation soccer league… for preschoolers.  He has played soccer ever since and will be graduating this year from high school after competing all four years on the school’s team.  I do not think I can count all of the hours spent on the sidelines.  Cheering, passing out the snacks following the game, and nursing the physical and emotional bruises.   I finally realized that soccer may be used as metaphor for life’s experiences in general.  So, here are what lessons I believe can be gleaned from life on the soccer field.

1. Share.  Don’t be a ball hog.  There is no I in “team”.  You signed up to play a team sport so learn to share.  Share when you are five.  Share when you are 50.
2. Be flexible.  Sometimes you will not always be the starting player or be placed in the position that you want on the soccer field.  Later you may learn that your boss may assign you jobs that you will not want, but will do anyway for the betterment of the company.
3. Be kind to all.  Opposing players are the same as you.  Be respectful and kind to all.  Period.
4. Obey the rules.  Often rules are made to keep you and others safe.  Follow them on the field.  Follow them in a car.  Follow them in school.  Follow them in your family life.
5. Sometimes you play hurt, but don’t play injured.   Don’t ignore the things  that cause lots of pain and interfere with your life.  And support others in pain.
6. Sometimes you need help.  On the soccer field you need help to make the big plays and score a goal.  Sometimes you are stuck and need help to find a solution for a problem whether on the field or in life.
7. Be a good loser.  A young child may be watching the way that you respond to loss and you need to set a good example.  Someday that might be your child.
8. Take turns.  Sometimes watching from the sidelines is not bad.  You may just learn by “watching” instead of “doing”.
9. Coaches are like parents as they try and give you lots of  education, support, and nurturing. Yet, ultimately it will be up to the team on the field.
10. Laugh and have fun! If you are not having fun and laughing with your team mates then maybe this is not the sport for you.  Same with your career.  If you don’t like your career then maybe it is time to go back to school and find a new vocation.­­­­­­­  Change can be good.  Laughter is great!