Whats Important To Me?, By-Garrett Neuschatz

  *I have already seen various blogs for this months topic discussing the importance of sports especially soccer. So at the risk of sounding redundant and because of the fact I truly believe soccer is important to me I am still going to talk about.

I live with a "Soccer Family". This means that everyone enjoys all the aspects of the sport whether its playing it, watching it or even coaching/reffing it. Both my parents played practically there whole lives (One still does). So naturally I grew up with the sport being a big part of my life (Allegedly I began playing at 4). Now after playing for many years I can definitely say its had a major positive impact on my life. Starting of with the something simple its a great way to stay active. Whether its just moving around during practice once or twice a week or brutal fitness during high school heat week. I can without a doubt say that id be in worse shape without it. Next, its a great way to connect personally with family or on a larger scale with friends. My grand parents love watching me and my sister play and its a great feeling seeing them on the sideline. Its created a strong bond between me and my father. Him and my soccer career are synonymous. He drives hours with me to every tournament and is always their for every game. Each year me and my family have a blast when we invite people over to watch the world cup. We all gather around the TV in anticipation and cheer when someone scores. As well we attend professional games, especially the NY Red Bulls (Basically our local team and my favorite one) which is always a blast. Finally the reason I feel its most important to me is the friends I have made. I've been on several different teams throughout my career. Whether it was rec. soccer, my high school team or club. On everyone one I can confidentially say I have gained some of my best and longest lasting friends. Even if I am no longer on their team or don't see them anymore, its always good to look back and remember the fun times we had playing the sport we both love. I often still talk to friends on old teams and its always great to see how there doing. Overall, soccer is definitely one of the best things in my life.