Soccer, a sport that is played and watched by many all over the world. Young, old, poor or rich, this is a sport that can be enjoyed by anyone in the world. Not only that, it is something that can bring many people together. The  girls’ soccer team  at Ridgeview does exactly that. These ladies all come together to share the enjoyments and benefits they all receive when coming together to play soccer. One of these benefits is staying in shape. Playing soccer or any sport is a way that many choose to work for their fitness goals. For example, when playing soccer, it can be used as a way to help you build up endurance. This could then lead to feeling less tired when having to walk a distance and just overall increase the amount of running you are able to obtain.

 Although not only can this be used as a way for physical fitness but also as a major confidence booster. Bianca Jacinto, one of the young ladies on girl’s varsity, gives a statement saying, “Being an athlete makes you a better person because it teaches you to never give up and to keep working hard to be successful. It shows you how to be a leader and keeps you focused and out of trouble.” Jacinto has been playing soccer since she was eight years old and has dedicated four years to playing for the RHS soccer team. She has in her best wishes to continue playing soccer for as long as possible. As well as using all the benefits soccer has to offer her. “Soccer means a lot to me because it really helps me forget about everything else and has helped me become the person I am today.” stated Jacinto

In addition to gaining a confidence booster it also comes with being able to create a bond with girls on and off the field. “It feels great to be playing with the girl’s again, I was very excited for the season.” proclaims Jacinto When playing a sport that requires a team, something very important for players to remember is that it cannot be done alone. For these ladies, playing on this team is a memory that many of them will have trouble to forget. Nevertheless, It is a memory in their life when they were able to play the sport that they loved with other young women who had that same passion as well. Not only that, it is something these ladies can look back on and remember the good, frustrating, funny, embarrassing , and memorable times that were made on the field.

 Like Jacinto had previously stated,  “Being an athlete makes you a better person because it teaches you to never give up and to keep working hard to be successful. It shows you how to be a leader and keeps you focused and out of trouble”. Although some may not see there are lessons that are taught in the sport, some are able to use them in real life as well. Phrases that are heard on soccer fields for example, “you miss 99% of the shots you don’t take” or “ You can’t score a goal if you don’t take a shot.” For Jacinto her favorite quote she goes by is “ You dream. You plan. You reach. There will be obstacles. There will be doubters. There will be mistakes. But with hard work, with belief, with confidence and trust in yourself and those around you, there are no limits.” -Micheal Phelps.