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October 11, 2024 · 2 min read
Can Soccer Work As Therapy?

Can the game work as therapy?

I think it can. It constantly tests our emotions and ability to stay calm and let’s be honest, we don’t always manage our emotions well! We’re all human and have to F things up sometimes to keep learning and improving. 

The important thing is learning from your mistakes and not just continuing to make the same mistakes over and over again. That requires reflection.

We should all be reflecting after every training session or game, no matter if you’re a coach, player, referee or even a parent. Honest reflection is hard but it’s essential for growth and again, it’s great therapy.

Ask Liverpool. They reflected last season, realized they were rubbish, got rid of virtue signalling king Jordan Henderson and now they look like they’ve improved. 

Stop spending money on therapists. Just play or coach soccer instead and use the challenge and lessons as your therapy.n the game work as therapy?

I think it can. It constantly tests our emotions and ability to stay calm and let’s be honest, we don’t always manage our emotions well! We’re all human and have to F things up sometimes to keep learning and improving. 

The important thing is learning from your mistakes and not just continuing to make the same mistakes over and over again. That requires reflection.

We should all be reflecting after every training session or game, no matter if you’re a coach, player, referee or even a parent. Honest reflection is hard but it’s essential for growth and again, it’s great therapy.

Ask Liverpool. They reflected last season, realized they were rubbish, got rid of virtue signalling king Jordan Henderson and now they look like they’ve improved. 

Stop spending money on therapists. Just play or coach soccer instead and use the challenge and lessons as your therapy.

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Paul Spacey
Paul Spacey

USSF-licensed coach. 20+ years working with players and parents across the youth soccer landscape. I say what other coaches won’t.