The soccer camp I attended this summer has taught me that soccer is more than just a sport.

My soccer journey started out as a casual match with my friends in the playground during recess and evolved to more organized and structured competitions.

As the years passed, my dedication and passion for soccer deepened.

Middle school marked a turning point as I moved from the Junior Varsity team to the Varsity team.

This giant leap to the Varsity team was thrilling yet frightening at the same time.

Even though I have been playing almost my whole life, meeting the demands of a higher-level team made me realize the need for an overall improvement in my performance.

For one, I needed to improve my shooting because I missed a few easy shots last season.

Hence, it was pivotal for me to embrace the opportunity to attend a summer soccer camp.

I chose a soccer camp held in the Ambition Football Lab in Gangnam since many of my friends who attended this camp recommended it to me.

I was determined to benefit from the intense summer program, recognizing my need for growth.

This camp was advertised on social media for its innovative drills and methods, which were factors that initially made me anxious.

From close-touch dribbling to tips for winning a one-on-one situation, the training sessions were designed to challenge me in new and unexpected ways.

Among all the drills, the one that stood out to me was “Monkey in the Middle.”

In this drill, four people would stand in a square with the goal of keeping the ball away from the single defender inside the square.

This drill aimed to help players think faster under pressure and control the power of their passes.

Furthermore, a significant amount of training was devoted to acting decisively when confronted by a defender.

In order to do so, we did “close touch dribbling” training, which aimed to develop quicker footwork and master the touch crucial to getting past the defender.

The summer soccer camp experience resonated within me far beyond simple drills and skills–it fostered a sense of camaraderie and created long-lasting friendships.

It also provided me the opportunity to interact with more athletes from different backgrounds,

serving as a catalyst that helped build my confidence and communication skills.

The coaches there brought joy to learning various aspects of soccer and taught a mindset of determination, resilience, passion, and cooperation.

Thus, through my time in the soccer summer camp, I realized the power of soccer beyond being a mere sport.

Soccer’s intensity has brought millions of people together, making it the most-watched sport.

The excitement soccer brings to spectators through moments like dynamic passes and mesmerizing goals creates unwavering support that fans shower on their favorite players.

The allure of soccer also lies in its ability to provide a positive role model for children.

It is a way of cultivating new friendships, enhancing work ethic, and creating different paths in life.

Roy Yunseo Yang

9th Grade

The Fessenden School