And a year full of the most beautiful sport in the world …
In this time where the holidays are around I am in Argentina with my family – looking for gifts for my friend’s children or my nephews and thinking, “what do I give them?” I want to give them something that is related with the time we are leaving in, but how do I do that knowing that technology is on top of everything? The kids want a Wii or an Xbox but I want to give them something they can use in sports. Like many parents, I don’t want them sit for hours in front of the TV and not move their bodies. Of course I would love it that they played futbol, but that is not necessary, or always possible.
When I was young I was dreaming of getting a soccer ball or a new pair of cleats for Navidad. I understand that the times have changed, and I am not against technology, but I really would love for the kids to go to the club and play futbol or some other sport to keep them active and engaged with others.
So for not wanting the passion for sports to die, I decided to give to my nephews a membership to a club in Argentina for a year so they can play with their friends, or create new ones. It was so important for me when I was young to be enrolled in that club that not only did I create myself as a futbol player, but also as a person. When I didn’t practice futbol with my team I was playing basketball, volleyball or many other games such as Quemado (Dutch ball). All those activities gave me a lot of coordination and agility that I used to play futbol later for my team.
So I hope that everyone is enjoying their vacation and time with their family like I am. And I hope that in whatever gifts were given this year, that there are still kids out there dreaming of a soccer ball, a baseball bat, a tennis racquet or a new pair of running shoes because I believe these activities are instrumental to the future we are developing for our children and grandchildren.
Fleliz Navidad y Feliz Ano Nuevo.
Hasta luego!
DEC
About the Author:
Juan Carlos Porras is a Senior Coach for the prestigious Burlingame Soccer Club and Director of Operations for “Juan and Dusko’s Premiere Soccer Camps.” Juan is originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina and developed both his love for the game and world-class ability by playing on the streets in his neighborhood. At a very early age, his potential was recognized, and the renowned Club Athletic Velez-Sarsfield recruited him to play for their youth divisions. Juan Carlos is a well-respected coach who has trained two American prospects to the professional level, using techniques he learned while playing in Argentina. He now wants to make a broader impact on American Youth Soccer by showing them the great impact playing and training in Argentina has on a player’s development.