Page 53 - 2019 Priory MUSE Magazine

Limiting Dreams by Charlie Brandin
I have fallen in love
with a beautiful game.
A game the world calls fútbol.
And for some strange reason
the US calls it soccer.
Although I live in a country
where this glorious sport is not given the respect it deserves,
I am still in love.
There is no other activity
that requires such skill,
such athletic and mental proficiency.
It is, without a doubt,
the hardest sport to learn.
That is why training can often become overwhelming.
Dribbling, passing, crossing, shooting, free kicks and volleys.
It is hard to tell if
it is a sport
or some intricate style of art.
A magnificent synchronization
between mind, body, and ball.
Skill that requires
total commitment and years of practice to master.
That is not all that is difficult
about the sport.
The athleticism that needs to be achieved for success is incredible.
Working out,
I do things a regular person would do,
to warm up.
I find it amusing when
people say soccer players don't need to be “that” strong.
I don’t think people realize
the strength required
to be effective on the field.
I’ve even heard certain individuals
refer to soccer as an endurance sport.
I can’t remember the last time I casually jogged for the ball when fighting for possession.
Yes, you need stamina, But this game is a series of battles that requires max speed sprints.
You need to be fast, and faster,
And how do you increase speed,
by increasing your leg strength.
And what’s the best way to increase your leg strength?
By lifting heavy ass weight.
My legs should be bigger,
I should be able to run faster than anyone, especially with all the weight
people put on me.
“You’re too short to be an athlete” they said,
“You will never make it!”
The chance of me going pro, and achieving my dream is slim,
But at least I’ve got a chance,
and that’s all I need.
And it seems like the people that advise me lately are in no position to speak,
Because I have become faster.
I have become more explosive, stronger.
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