Professional soccer players speak to students about soccer, life

Photo By Lance Cpl. Mike Granahan | Carolyn M. Blank, a member of Sky Blue Football Club, a women’s professional soccer team, signs autographs for students during a visit here, March 23. The players spoke to students about soccer and life. Blank emphasized to the students to dream big and never give up.  

CAMP LESTER, OKINAWA, JAPAN

03.23.2012

Story by Lance Cpl. Mike Granahan 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP LESTER, Japan - Students counted with anticipation as two members of Sky Blue Football Club, a women’s professional soccer team, volleyed the ball back and forth using only their heads here March 23.

Members of the team visited the Lester Middle School and spoke to students about soccer, fitness, health and life.

“We looked up to professionals when we were younger, so we know how important it is and how much of an impact we can make,” said Brittany C. Bock a member of Sky Blue Football Club. “To be able to come out here and do that same thing is really inspirational for us and for them.”

Team members wanted to convey to the students that they achieved their success through hard work and perseverance, said Carolyn M. Blank, a member of the team. “Only you can control how hard your working and only you can control what you’re doing.”

The team members professed that regardless of ones goals or aspirations, hard work and sacrifice is essential for success.

An important message the team wanted to send to the children was to set their goals high and never give up, said Bock.

“The last couple of years I’ve really started to realize that it’s so much more than soccer, it’s the avenue that brought me to all these places, and it’s through soccer that I can touch the world in a different way,” said Bock.

The athletes performed tricks for the children, showing off their impressive skills with a soccer ball to the young audience who gave cheers and claps with every kick and flip.

The children, inspired by the athlete’s performance, were given a chance to test their own ability in front of the crowd when they were called to attempt the same tricks as the professionals.

“It was awesome being here, we’re so lucky to have this opportunity and to be here with the kids,” said Blank.

After the visit concluded, the children presented the team members with school t-shirts and coins, thanking them for their visit.

As the children exited, the athletes made their way to the doors signing autographs for everyone who inquired. The children walked away not only with a professional soccer player’s signature, but more importantly with their advice to dream big.

• Date Taken: 03.23.2012
• Date Posted: 04.03.2012 22:23
• Story ID: 86199
• Location: CAMP LESTER, OKINAWA, JP