Generally I am a more private guy but for those of you who know me and follow the blog, you know that I care a great deal about giving back through soccer. I recently returned from a trip to Guatemala helping serve their community. I feel that now more than ever it’s important that I share my personal convictions as to why I do these things. How it involves the future of Global Fútbol Training.
Why the hard times are worth it
Soccer has always been good to me. Even when it tore muscles, required surgery, or broke my heart, the game and the people who shared it with me as teachers, coaches, and players have always influenced my life in a positive way. I feel that because of those people and the game itself, I was lucky to play at a high level and use my natural gifts in the best possible arena for me.
This picture below is of me working with one of the kids who loved learning and playing soccer.
When it was lunchtime the other adults had to come and get the two of us:) I love helping people who want to be helped. Whether you’re rich or poor, it’s the people with desire to learn that I love to help most.
What a trip to Guatemala taught me
I’ve been to Guatemala twice. The first time I didn’t know what to expect, but it taught me what the people needed there.
The second time in Guatemala my goal was to help the young men be leaders. In this they needed to learn how to bring community together. Soccer/Futbol can do this. Being a part of a league or team is healthy for the mind.
This video shows some of my time organizing a soccer clinic.
In all of this, there needs to be an understanding that soccer/futbol can’t be the most important thing. Our Creator is most important to me and that’s how He wants it. Second is to love people. How can you help others multiply and grow your part of the world?
GFT families donated balls and cleats
One of the best times in this trip was giving shoes to the kids. Only a few of them had soccer shoes. 95% played soccer in tennis shoes that were in bad shape. Some of the kids loved their new cleats so much that they wore them everywhere.
Thankful for all the GFT families. You have such giving hearts and attitudes.
Giving back is a duty
Giving back doesn’t have to be going out of the county. There’s an amazing group called Mission Arlington which is located a few miles from the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers stadium. They organize medical professionals, teachers, counselors to help kids and adults. Many of these people are homeless.
I feel that it is my turn [my duty] to give back also. That is one reason why there is so much free education and material on the blog.
I don’t want parents and kids to have to learn through trial and error or to find out too late that a coach concealed opportunity from them out of selfishness or lack of awareness.
I love this platform and do not take it for granted. However, I also want to reach the subsets of people who may not have access to the internet, college recruiters, or travel. It is for this reason I went to see Mission Arlington.
Be the one who helps change your community
Giving has saved me from being selfish. It allows me to appreciate what I have been given and what I have to give. I hope this year you’ll find time to help coordinate your community.
Kids especially look up to older role models. Let’s give them truth that will help them in the long run. Together we can change the world.
People want to be a part of something
One of the most impactful videos I’ve seen were stories in Africa and Central America. One lady got a job and said it was all she wanted. She wanted to have a job so she could be a part of something.
People want to have responsibility. Sure, money is nice, but it’s not why she wanted a job. It’s the purpose work gave her.
