“The more difficult the victory, the greater the happiness in winning” -Pele. That is a quote athletes should never forget. Pele is the world’s greatest soccer player and I wonder how much soccer really meant to him. So, I wanted to know what soccer means to other people.

First, I will interview my brother Corbin. He has played soccer for 7 years with the Emporia Soccer Academy.

Q: At what age did you first start playing soccer?
A: I first started playing in Kindergarten
Q: What is your favorite part of soccer?
A: Getting to play with friends. When growing up I basically always had the same team, so we are more like brothers now
Q: Why do you like soccer?
A: I like soccer because it can be competitive or fun.
Q: What is your favorite team or player in soccer?
A: My favorite player is Ille Sanchez, but my favorite team is Real Madrid
Q: What does soccer mean to you?
A: To me, soccer means life. It is such a beautiful sport

Second, I will interview my dad, Brett B’Hymer. He started up Emporia Soccer Academy and he was the head coach for a couple of teams.

Q: At what age did you first start playing soccer?
A: Age 6
Q: What is your favorite part of soccer?
A: [The} friends you make
Q: Why do you like soccer?
A: Because I like the pace of the game
Q: What is your favorite team or player in soccer?
A: My favorite team is Manchester City. My favorite player is Erling Halaad
Q: What does soccer mean to you?
A: It’s fun to watch and fun to play

Lastly, I will interview my coach Nance. He has been with Emporia Soccer Academy for 2 years and he loves to watch soccer!

Q: At what age did you first start playing soccer?
A: 5 or 6 here in Emporia
Q: What is your favorite part of soccer?A: As a player, I like the problem-solving aspect of it, the self-expression aspect, and that it’s ongoing… the chance to improve skills & decision-making remains even for the oldest players. And there’s just a joy to playing; freedom. As a fan, the beauty of the game… Watching a world-class player, world-class team tactics & execution…. (which for me are Pep’s Man City & Arteta’s Arsenal right now); it’s exquisite. It is art.
Q: Why do you like soccer?
A: Why does a bird sing? Why does the fish feel at home in the water? lol…. I’ll give you a quote for this one: “The heart has its reasons which reason knows not of.” (Blaise Pascal)
Q: What is your favorite team or player in soccer?
A: The 2008-2012 Barcelona team is my favorite team of all time. Of the teams currently playing, it’s Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. (They’re on the cutting edge of world football. Those that aren’t doing or can’t do what they’re doing are getting left behind.)

favorite player = Messi. He’s the most complete player of all time. He’s a good example to young people, both on & off the pitch… And he is special. He plays like no one else, does things others don’t even think of doing, and keeps reinventing himself as he ages. If you get bored, look up his records. My second favorite is Ronaldinho. Messi is gold (timeless & classy); Ronaldinho was a rare diamond that unfortunately faded away too soon.

Q: What does soccer mean to you?
A: Ooph,.. where to begin… It connects me to my father, who never played, but coached from ages 5 to 14. I see a ball and I see possibilities… what to do individually, on my own, when no one is watching… or with friends/teammates before & during the game. It also brings back (good) memories… people I’ve played with, and against,… kids I’ve coached, and games/tournaments we’ve won.

To me, soccer means getting to do something you love. It is not just loving the game, but it is also having a new family in your life you can count on. Obviously, soccer has so much good and brings joy to so many people across the world, and really makes me wonder what I would do without soccer.