Page 31 - Highlights 2022

Dear Soccer
by Erin Jackson

Dear Soccer,
I may not have enjoyed every single second of you then,
or even now,
But from the moment my right foot touched against the

surface of the soccer ball
I knew one thing - I had a genuine passion for you
and for the game.

Young me, so brave, adventurous, bright.
Little did I know 10 years later
that you would still be here

A part of my life.

The long, exhausting hours spent out on the field.
The smell of the freshly cut, thick dark-green grass
rubbing against my skin.
Blood, sweat, and tears
all running down the side of my face.
Cuts, scars, aches.
I have experienced it all.

Each moment I stepped foot out on that field
You gave me a reason to escape from reality
And let everything on my mind depart.
You kept me motivated.
I gave you everything I had left in myself each game I played.
Not for my excellent coaches, or my overly supportive parents
But for you, and for myself.

You have gained me the confidence I've needed throughout my
career
And have given me that little push I needed to pull through.
I do not know what my future has in store for us
Or when it is time for us to go our separate ways.
But when that time approaches
Just know I will always be the little girl
Who is ready to give all she has left to give?

Love you always,
Erin

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