There’s a reason why soccer is called “the beautiful game.” Just watch how players balance themselves on one foot, turn in different directions as they receive the ball, use quick cuts and bursts of speed, fake and turn while dribbling, using every part of their body to control the ball or shooting rockets into the goal. It’s beautiful art practiced by the best all-around athletes in the world.

It is probably one of the only games where players of small stature have the same equal chance as a taller player. The game is based on quickness, deft touches, an understanding of the game in a chess-like fashion, knowing the next move before you receive the ball and of course scoring goals.

My coaching and training philosophy is simple. To create technical soccer players that can use both feet when they dribble, pass, shoot and control the ball while applying these basic skills under game conditions. While every player wants to be creative, inventive and stylish, skills are the fundamental stepping-stone to achieve that success.

When I watch children play basketball, baseball, football or hockey, I see them emulate the professional players of today. With soccer in America still not receiving the media attention of these other sports, our kids don’t typically watch soccer as much as these other sports. As a result, our players don’t go out and try to do the “Cruyff”, the “step-over”, the “Maradonna” or the or the moves of Ronaldinho, Kaka, Henry, Messi, Dempsey and Fabregas.

Each of these players are unique and their skills unmatched. But if you are a player and watch them, you will begin to emulate them and become a better player.

Soccer is a game to enjoy, fall in love with the beauty, have fun with your teammates and friends and appreciate why the world is so crazy over the game of soccer or futbol as most know it by.

So my message is simple. Love the game, play the game, teach the game, enjoy the game and become a fan of the game.