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An
Open letter to Athletes, Coaches and Parents;
Soccer has been a companion of mine throughout most
of my life, beginning when I was a young child with
asthma. While I wanted desperately to be like the
other kids, I simply could not keep up. Luckily,
I had the right combination of tenacity and bravery,
where playing goalkeeper was a natural fit. The
thing I remember most from youth soccer was the
sense of being part of a team. I remember riding
in vans and singing, “We are the Sharks, the
mighty, mighty Sharks.”
As I continued with soccer into high school, I also
overcame my asthma. I often recall wanting
to play on the field. While I had become a reasonably
good keeper, I believe that my lack of endurance
as a youth, secondary to my asthma, left me with
a huge desire to become a field player. I had progressed
from being the last place finisher on every run,
as a youth, to middle of the pack in high school.
I enjoyed the physical nature of field play. I further
enjoyed being able to build my endurance in running,
jumping and tackling. Despite this, I continued
to play in goal at the request of my high school
coach.
After high school, I tried out for my local Community
College team but did not make the team. Luckily,
I was a serious student and had a second option.
So I packed my bags and headed south to The Evergreen
State College (TESC) in Olympia, Washington. At
the time, TESC did not have a strong soccer program.
I stepped into a starting position as a sweeper,
and later at center midfield. It was a wonderful
opportunity to learn about accepting challenges.
For two years we had very little success on the
field. But through these years I made great strides
both physically and technically. I improved my skills
while committing to myself that I would not be outdone
because of the lack of fitness. During my junior
and senior years at TESC, we enjoyed much more success
on the field. More importantly my teammates recognized
my efforts and twice voted me MVP and twice, Most
Inspirational Player.
After college, I continued to play in a Men’s
Soccer League in Olympia. I ultimately earned a
position on the Washington State Select team. It
was with this team that I won my first of 9 National
Championships.
At the age of 30, I seized my opportunity to play
professionally. Over the course of the next seven
years, I captained three different professional
teams: The Seattle SeaDogs, The Portland Pride and
The Florida Thundercats.
Looking back, it is very clear that the most memorable
and rewarding things that I have taken from the
game of soccer are my relationships. Most of my
dearest friends, my wife among them, I have met
through soccer.
As you can see, my soccer career has been one of
physical and emotional challenges. I embraced
them all and moved forward. Our aim at GGSC is to
help kids learn to accept and welcome challenges
as a part of their personal growth experience. Soccer
talent alone does not make a skilled, successful
soccer player. Enthusiasm, attitude and commitment
underscore results. Golden Goals Soccer Camp
will help put you on the road to “TEACH.”
John Purtteman, Head Coach and Camp Director |
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