"dansa pausa.."

No matter what language you speak or what country you come from there are two things that always seem to bring people together... Soccer and Music.  There are many different rhythms in the game of soccer. It is a dance, a wonderful dance. It is contagious.  As a player I have learned many different ways to "dance" from many different coaches.  I took bits and pieces from every coach and created my own routine.  

This past year in Gavle I took my routine and I tested it out on my youth team.  It was a success and it began to spread.  I shared my dance with the ball with my own team, three schools in Gavle and with my soccer camps. 

This type of training combines my two passions; soccer and music.  It is intense fun and you will get over 1000 touches on the ball within an hour. 

Now that I am in Florida I am coaching the same kids that I had in college.  I look forward to training with them everyday. It is great because coaching allows me to get even more touches on the ball and it has also helped me improve as a player.

I have had a few of them for a few years now and it is always amazing coming back to see them.  Every one of my players has grown, and improved. We all share the same passion and excitement for the game!  I am proud to say that each of them has invested in their development and they all have a bright future ahead.

This video is a small clip of what I do as a coach and as a player.  Here is one of my training sessions in Florida.  Three of girls in the video are currently playing at Florida Southern; they joined the session with my kids. It was great for my kids to see them work just as hard as they were! 

 This session is something special.. No matter how old you are or what level you play at, you can always use technical work, go back to the basics and learn something new. Have fun and enjoy the great dance!!

"When loved ones come home, always run to greet them..."

This Christmas we were telling stories and reminiscing on our old dogs DJ and Buddy.  They both were funny, smart and became members of the family.  I miss them. My Nana shared a story with me that I thought was worth sharing.  It is a small lesson from a 6 year old and a dog.

Below are pictures of some of my favorite people and their family members. Enjoy!

Dog's Purpose: from a 6-year-old.

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish  
Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their  
little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping  
for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer.

I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to  
perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be  
good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure as they felt that  
Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family  
surrounded him.

Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I  
wondered if he understood what was going on.  Within a few minutes,  
Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any  
difficulty or confusion.

We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about  
the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why."

Startled, we all turned to him.

What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more  
comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live.

He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life  
-- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?"

The Six-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so  
they don't have to stay as long."

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
· When loved ones come home, always run to greet them;
· Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride;
· Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure  
Ecstasy;
· Take naps;
· Stretch before rising;
· Run, romp, and play daily;
· Thrive on attention and let people touch you;
· Avoid biting when a simple growl will do;
· On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass;
· On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree;
· When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body;
· Delight in the simple joy of a long walk;
· Be loyal;
· Never pretend to be something you're not;
· If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it;
· When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle  
them gently;

There comes a time in life, when you walk away from all the drama and  
people who create it.

You surround yourself with people who make you laugh, forget the bad,  
and focus on the good, so, love the people who treat you right.

Think good thoughts for the ones who don't ~ life is too short to be  
anything but happy.

Falling down is part of LIFE...
Getting back up is LIVING...

Little Baby, pa rum pum pum pum I am a poor boy too, pa rum pum pum pum I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum That's fit to give the King, pa rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum, Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum pum, On my drum?....I played my drum for Him Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum I played my best for Him Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum.... Me and My Drum"

This past month has been a major change of scenery for me. Coaching has been amazing; it helped me survive college and is a major reason I have a roof over my head and food on the table.  More on my coaching experiences soon!  Besides coaching I have taken on seasonal jobs at publix; the local grocery store and Toys R Us.  

At publix I was a bagger.  One of the major job descriptions of a bagger included offering help to each customer; walking the cart to the parking lot and loading the groceries into their cars. I have met so many different kinds of people; rude, selfish, etc. 

 I had one customer tell me my bagging technique was not correct.. I re-bagged.  She looked at her purchases again and said, "I liked the way you did it the first time. Do it again."  I did it and then with out giving me anytime to offer my services out to the parking lot she looked at me and said, "Take me to my car!" While we were walking outside I figured I would try and start some small talk with her; maybe she was having a bad day and was just taking it out on the bagger. I started out by saying the weather was beautiful.  This lady turned around raised her eye-brows, looked at me, and then looked forward.  She was making it known that I was not worthy of even holding a conversation with her.  I unloaded the groceries (maybe smashing the bread and eggs while she wasn't looking… Just kidding) and then I went back inside. 

Why did this lady think she could treat me like this? Now my simple seasonal job became a social experiment. I do not know who this lady is and she does not know who I am. All I know is that you never know who you could be talking to. People may think I am crazy; you are a soccer player, you play professionally. You are a soccer coach. Why are you doing this?  I have never done anything like this before and I wanted to try and see through the eye's of a "normal" working person. 

This example is my most extreme example but besides the rude and selfish I have come across, I have also met some pretty amazing individuals.  One day I was taking a really old lady out to her car.  She asked about my story.  I told her what I was doing.  She then informed me that she was 95 years old!!!! This lady was walking, talking, healthy and even driving.  She told me story after story; while I shared some of my experiences.  I was out in the parking lot with her for an hour and a half!!  I could not leave her. I was learning so much and the conversation was amazing.  She gave me her mailing address and her e-mail.  Right before she left she said,"I hope I didn't get you in trouble for staying out her for so long." I said,"If I do get in trouble, it was completely worth and I do not regret anything!" She smiled and drove away. A 95 year old lady that was still kicking.

Black Friday came.. I worked at Toys R Us Thanksgiving night from 7pm-5am  Black Friday morning.  I then worked at Publix from 10am-3pm and I went back to Toys R Us and worked again that same day from 5pm-11:30. I was a zombie by 11:30.  I like to push myself but I can say that I went to far on black Friday.  "only ones that are willing to go to far are the only ones that can possibly know how far one can go." I figured out how far I can go.

I had some rest and then I went back to Publix.  I took another really interesting old lady out to her car.  She was a regular and started asking me questions about myself. I did not tell or much or anything about soccer but she looked me square in the eye and said,"don't work to much.. Enjoy life now! Don't wait!" She told me to do what I love. I told her "I am very lucky because I do, do what I love." She then said, "Always go for it." 

I do not know how this conversation came about but it really hit me.  Between, Publix, Toys R Us and all of my coaching I was working a little to much.  I have opportunities that could be right around the corner and I need to be ready. I need to train.  I talked with my parents and some of my mentors about my thoughts and they all agreed with me.  I talked with Publix and I told them that I am very sorry but I have to quit. It was tough because I never quit anything.  

I said that Publix is a great company; they give incredible job security.  I wanted to try a job with security but I need to focus on my passion.  Soccer does not give me any job security but I am willing to take that risk.  Working at Publix, I realized even more what I am meant to be doing; I can't waste any time..  Like the old  lady said,"go for it" I will always go for i!  Publix wished me good luck and understood. I want to thank them for the opportunity and providing me with some work. 

I felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders after I quit and shortly after I got a few more clients for my one on one coaching. It was like it was almost meant to be.  

Besides coaching I  am continuing to work at Toys R Us for the Holiday Season.  The hours are perfect and I am able to focus on what matters most. I really like it at Toys R Us. The people that work there are real! I have fun in electronics and I have met some awesome people cashiering.  

Again, I do get many selfish people.  I can't tell you how many times customers come through my line with over $300 worth of merchandise and they complain about saving $1 on a coupon.  I had one couple get mad that we could not combine two promotions so they taped two sales stickers on my counter and started taking pictures.. I asked what they were doing and they said that they were going to basically bad mouth the"promotion" on their Facebook, Instagram, twitter, etc. (These people were at least in their 30's) They still bought everything as well.. I don't get it; all this anger over a few dollars… It makes me sad to see this. To me, if you can spend all this on materialistic items; life must be pretty good; why are you so mad? 

 Then again I have also met some incredible people.  I had one man come through my line with a whole cart full of FAO Schwarz stuffed animals.  The grand total was over $300.  I told him I loved these stuffed animals and he was going to make someone really happy. He said was an old war veteran, his son was in Afghanistan and he was going to mail all these stuffed animals to his whole unit for Christmas. He said he has mailed something overseas every year.  We talked for a little while; I told him about my brother; he is in the national guard and I am really proud of him. The conversation did not last more than five minutes but I felt like we had known each other for years. When I handed him the receipt; he reached out and shook my hand. I felt like he was some sort of angel. 

I have had kids come through my line giving me everything they had, emptying their wallets just to buy their bother or sister a present.  One kid did not have enough.. I paid the difference.. So many people also put Toys on layaway. Layaway is awesome! Hard working people have an opportunity to save up and pay off gifts for their loved ones.  I wish I had a lot of money because I want to pay off certain customer's layaway.  A customer picked up her order today and she was just so happy to pay off the amount; she is able to give her loved ones what they wanted.

Love. Doing something for someone else just because. Giving to someone else; Being able to buy a gift just to try and show your family and friends in just a small way how much you care, how special they are and that you love them. Happiness.. It's not about the gift. 

To say the least, I have had so many interesting experiences since I have been back. Now, a new curve ball has been thrown at me I do not know what my future awaits. Hopefully I will have news soon but I will keep "going for it" and I won't give up!

Don't you worry, don't you worry child See heaven's got a plan for you Don't you worry, don't you worry now

Jobba Jobba Jobba!! Work Work Work!!  This off season I wanted to try out a few seasonal jobs.  I have always worked with soccer and I could not be happier but, this offseason I decided to continue coaching as well as take up some new and very different challenges.

 I coach at least four nights a week, I work part-time at Toys R Us, I work part time at Publix and I am an on call banquet server! On top of that I am training every morning and spending as much time with the ball as I can. 


I have completed the orientations for both Publix and Toys R US. During the training of all these companies I have met all sorts of people, and learned many different ways to run a business. It has been extremely interesting and is becoming a very neat experiment. 

 How do they treat their employee's? What is their business plan? How do they reach their goals? Can I incorporate it into what I want to do in the future? Will I be able to use anything I learn and apply it to my dream of one day opening up my own soccer club? How do people act on a job? Do they love their jobs? Do they want to be the best at what they do? Are they just going through the motions? Why are they there?

During the first Publix orientation the man talking to us gave us an incredible historical insight of what the company is all about.  He spoke with so much passion; you could just see that he really loved what he was doing.  He loves and talks about Publix like I talk about soccer.  It was amazing and refreshing to see someone with such enthusiasm. It was contagious. 

Another manager teaching the class talked about theft and how it makes her so mad when people steal because she works hard for her job and that is her well earned money.  She went on to say that "she doesn't want to be there but, she has to because she needs the money to survive. " This lady seemed to enjoy what she was doing but not really love it. I could tell she has another passion; maybe it is her family. I don't know but right then I relized how lucky I was. I show up every single day to my job in Sweden, not just because I have to but, because I want to.  I am so lucky because number one I have a job and number two I absoutly love what I am doing. I would not want to live life any other way. 

This manager went on saying that this company is great because of the job security it offers.  If you have a job at Publix you do not have to fear getting laid off or the company shutting down even though the U.S. is facing a horrible financial crisis. I dazed of at this point and thought about the word "fear."  My mind brought me back to this past season when our sports psychologist asked me and my team to list our fears. My teammates all answered with different versions of fearing failure; missing a PK, missing a free kick, etc. Not one of the fears stated has ever even entered my brain. There was not one thing said that I was afraid of. The first thing I thought of were things of my past; things nothing to do with soccer. Soccer is my place where I can forget all the horrors. When I play I want to bring about hope; hope in something more, hope in that the people watching will be happy and forget all the horrible things that happen every day, even if it is just for a second. With my job, unlike publix, there is always a since of uncertainty. How are teams financially? Will they be able to afford foreigners? What are the fates of different leagues and teams around the world? It is always a little scary when you do not know exactly what awaits you.  Fears, yes I have fears but I am willing to take the risk and face them.  What do I have to lose? nothing. 

I know that jobs at first may not be as glamours as you have dreamed but you have to start somewhere. One of my best friends told me you can't always start at the top but rather start at the bottem and work your way up. She said, "you can not be the CEO right away." This statement really hit me and it helped me make some very big decisions. 

It also made me think of my first job. My club soccerplus offered me a job my junior year in high school. I would go there everyday after school, work and then train. I was just the assistant. I would clean the office, file, set up field, fill water jugs and do whatever they needed me to do.  I was the lowest on the totem poll but I did the best I could every single day and I loved it! The people I was around were great and I looked forward to coming into work everyday.  I moved up and became a staff coach during the summers. I have done and seen almost every single step it takes to run a club properly. I know what the "little" guy has to do, I am a player and I know what the big bosses have to do.  I have done almost everything. Then this past year I started and became  the director of the first camp at IFK Gavle. The experience I had at soccerplus helped me run everything properly and smoothly. I learned from the best! One day when I run my own business I will know the importance of each role because I have done everything. Every role has a purpose. I think no matter what you are doing, you should try and be the best at what you do! Wether I am cleaning toilets at my old club or starting the first soccer camp in Gavle Sweden I want to be the best.  

I have this dream, this vision.  I know I will do whatever it takes to make it happen. My job is my passion; I am a soccer player. But now my question is what do people do that do not have the same passion for something? What do they do when they are not excited to wake up every morning? What to they do?! What do they live for? A lot of people say that they work because they have to.. They need the money for rent, food, survival.. In this past week alone I noticed a handful of people that  just go through the motions; they are not doing this because they want to or because they love it. It seems like a vicious cycle that anyone can easily fall in to; to live you need money, to get money you need a job, you need a job so you can live, but If you are miserable at work and then come home and are still miserable; to me you are not really living. There needs to be a change; a chance to be taken.  

When are you the happiest? I found some people simply like interacting with others; some people live for another. It would not matter what they were doing in the world as long as they were able to be with that person or their family. There is no better feeling then knowing you have something great to come home to. I wish that everyone will be able to find their purpose and passion and do what is ever necessary to fill that need.   There are always events in my past that always put a smile on my face. If I look back at all the times I felt honestly and truly happy, I found that my happiness is doing what I love around the people I love.  What is yours?

"tell me what you know about dreams, dreams"

Off season. Rest, Recover, and Rebuild. The off season is a crucial time for the development of every athlete.  The physical demands that soccer puts on the body are great; it is very important after an eight month season or longer that the body is allowed a chance to rest, recover and rebuild. This doesn't mean stop all forms of physical activity but this is a good time for rejuvenation, taking care of any injuries,  and cross training. Cross training allows you to keep your fitness level up as well as training muscle groups that are not usually trained; it can help you become an overall better athlete. The off season is a good time to work on weakness, make small adjustments to your game, put a greater focus on strength training and fitness.

In my off season so far I have jumped into different fitness classes such as spin, kickboxing,  yoga, flexible strength and step.  All are great workouts and very different from what I am used to.   

I spent the first two weeks back in the US in Massachusetts and now I am in Florida.  I am living right near Florida Southern. It is nice because I am able to use the facilities, coach my old kids and do some temporary/seasonal work until I go back to Sweden.  

It feels great to be in Florida! I arrived on Monday; my goal was to be here before Halloween.  When I was younger I hated Halloween; every year it was like a switch went off and all hell broke lose. Because of everything that had happened my lungs had never done well this time of year. I was either in the hospital, at my house, or if I did make it out, I got wheeled around. It was literally like clockwork; I would get so sick and struggle until about the end of March. I hated and absolutely dreaded Halloween. I never had a good  one until I moved to Florida.  I remember Freshman year when Halloween hit and I felt better than I have ever had; I was so relieved to make it through the day normally! Throughout my four years at Florida Southern I did not have one problem on Halloween; it was incredible. I would secretly celebrate every year I made it though healthy; it was a huge milestone for me! 

Last year when I got back from Finland, I was going to spend my first Halloween back in MA. It happened again.. I hit a little bump in the road.  I had an attack, it was one of the worst ones I have had in a very long time.. My lungs went from the historical 88% to 43% and again it started very close to Halloween.. I was devastated. It not only effects me but also my family.  I was so angry that they were going through it again. It was not fair. I could not believe it was happening again. It took me a little while to get back on my feet fully but I did and I felt stronger than ever this past year in Sweden. It is  hard to explain how strong I felt; it was like I could go forever. Everything was going right, I felt fast, strong, fit and felt like I could just go all day.  There were so many times this year I would just look around, take in the environment and be so happy with where I was!

This time I arrived in the US Oct 12th and I had a check up right away. I went through the usual lung function tests and I can proudly say I beat my 88%. I felt like I was reliving the 88% story. (http://jackiebachteler.blogspot.com/2011/08/88.html )  My doctor came in, sat down, looked at my chart and just shook his head.  He said, "last October you were 43%.. right now you are at 90!!!!!" Again, he said he just couldn't believe it!! I have to say I knew I had surpassed my 88%. This past season was physically the best I have ever felt. 

Driving back home, I was in awe. I went for a walk and I started to think.. I thought about what happened last year and then I thought about my 90%. The flashbacks were coming one after another. I started to almost become afraid of what "could" happen and with everything that was going through my mind I felt like I just wanted to run away.

"There is an unthinking simplicity in something so hard, 

which is why there's probably some truth to the idea 

that all world-class athletes are actually running away from something" 

Lance Armstrong

 I do not want my 90 to drop.   I made a promise to myself that I would do everything I could to not ever go through that again. All I know is that I am not afraid and I am not running away. I just have had enough! My goal was to get out of MA before Halloween.  With the help of my family, and some amazing friends I am successfully in Florida and I feel healthier than ever! It is Halloween; I am not coughing, I have no pain and I can take a full deep breath. I am going to use this time in Florida to Rest, Recover, Rebuild and continue to develop, continue to gain strength so that when I go back overseas I will be the one to make the difference when it counts the most.  

"Every step you take.. Every move you make"

Stairs: "A flight of steps leading from one level to another." Stairs; we walk up them and we walk down them. We do it with out even thinking. It is an act that is taken for granted.  

Every time I got sick or after my surgeries one of my biggest enemies was the stairs.  In high school most of my classes were on the second or third floor.  On my first day back to school, after the surgery I walked toward the staircase and tried to go up.  Kids were running and walking by me and I barley made it up one flight.  I was completely exhausted after trying to just walk up one flight of stairs; it felt like I had just run a marathon; I had to go home for the rest of the day.  

The school gave me a key to the elevator so it would be easier for me to get to my classes. I hated that! I hated knowing that I physically could not do something so I practiced.  

I started by walking up one set of stairs; taking breaks whenever I needed them. Once I made it up with little struggles I would walk to the second floor and take the elevator to the third floor.  

My body and lungs started to get stronger!  As time went on I felt good enough to walk from the first floor to the third.  As I took each step I knew I was going to make it.  When I got to the top I felt like I had just won the Olympics; an overwhelming surge of joy rushed all throughout me.  I reached my goal and conquered the stairs!!! How can something so little mean so much?

Before I reached the top floor, I failed many times. Some days I felt strong and took extra steps towards my goal, while other days I did not feel as strong and I had to take a few steps back. These few steps back allowed me to be able to take a few steps forward.  You can always take a step higher but sometimes you have to take a step down so you can train and get your strength back to make it back to the top.

My season has ended here for IFK Gavle.  When I came to this is team I put our goal of moving up a division at the top of my "staircase" We took a lot of positive steps toward our goal but this time we did not make it all the way up the stairs; we just missed it.  I do not look at it as a failure but rather as a chance to take a new step, to train and find a way to make it to the top.  

I look at every goal I have and everything I have done within my soccer career so far as a staircase.  The staircase is my symbol for development. I feel like every team I have been on and every experience has been a step up.  Every step I am on gets me ready for the step that awaits. 

212 degrees

"At 211 degrees, water is hot. At 212 degrees, it boils. And with boiling water, comes steam. And steam can power a locomotive. One extra degree makes all the difference. And, the one extra degree of effort in business and in life… separates the good from the great!"

When I was playing for fsasoccerplus; one of my coaches showed my team the 212 youtube video before our season started.. It really hit me and "212 degrees" became a number I would try and live by.  One "extra degree" makes all the difference! 

I shared this with my youth team before their last game! They all knew what it was going to take to win the game and I can proudly say that every one of them taped into that extra "degree" and played the best 90 minutes yet.  Creative, savvy, and rebellious; it was great to watch! We won 5-3. 

We had a guest coach; Jamie.  She is another fellow American and it was great having her there. The girls got to experience two American coaches; with very different styles.  Jamie made it fun! 

Everyone was having a great time and really enjoying themselves. This is what I play for and this is why I love the game; its times like these.  Its times where you are completely immersed in the moment, that it feels like that almost nothing else matters; you can forget about the past and have no worries about the future and all you do is just enjoy where you are.

I got a call from TV4 on Monday and they asked if they could interview me.  They are reporting on female coaches vs. males coaches and they want to know why there are not very many women coaches.  They found that in Sweden there is 1 women coach for every 10 males coaches  and they want to know why and my opinion on the topic.  

They showed up to my practice with cameras and all and the interview began.  I think that women's soccer is still relatively "new" compared to men's soccer and I think you will start to see more and more women coaches as time goes on because they will also want to spread the passion and give back to the game.  I do not think that there is  much of a difference between a female vs male coach.  The only thing I could think of is that a female coach is just a different voice and it may be easier for some players to talk to a female coach.  

As a player I want to be the best and the one to make the difference on the field. As a coach I want to help players be the difference, be the best, challenge them, guide them to their potential and help them get to where they want to be! 

*** More news coming soon! 

"On a mission to be. What Im destined to be.."

I am a nerd. I like to read, write, create and listen to others ideas.  A few weeks ago I took a coaching course in Swedish.  The first hour was a lecture;  in the beginning, I franticly wrote down everything I could and circled the Swedish words I did not know. Then about 15 minutes into the lecture something clicked in my brain; I understood almost everything; my brain just turned and I felt as if I was even thinking in Swedish.  It was a completely wild experience and I think with even more practice I will be able to make my brain Switch more often.  

Tony Gufstasson and the Tiki Taka Style have so much to offer to the development of youth soccer.  Their philosophies were very similar to mine and they like to create an environment where there is no principles; its an environment where the players get to be as creative as they please to reach the goal.  The coaches is job to is to create challenges and then guide the players to solve the problem.

 After the lecture, the coaches and I hit the field we all became Tony's players.  It was a high energy, fast-paced and fun practice.  He kept everyone going at all times and I came out with many ideas for my own teams and even learned as a player as well. 

I did not know all the coaches in the course but almost all of them knew me.  I met and talked to so many people.  I had their kids in the schools, some at the camp and I played againsta few.  It was fun to be around people that shared the same amount of passion for coaching and the game itself as I did.

I spoke with Tony after and he was surprised an American was in his class and was impressed with my swedish.  He told me about some of his experiences with the US national team, how he got involved with Tiki Taka and basically told me how he got where he was.  

It is neat hearing people's stories; you can learn so much by just taking a second to listen about where they have been, what they have seen, ect. He told me that they are trying to bring Tiki Taka to the US.  I know it would be a big hit and I would love to be involved with their organization. 

Last week I went from taking a coaching course to teaching one.. After running my soccer camp, SISU; a company in town wanted me to run a coaching class where coaches could have the opportunity to watch me train my team and then hear me talk about my own personal philosophies, planning and styles.  

I was nervous because I have never done anything like this before.  I have my D license and I am going to get my National C lisense very soon but I am so used to being a student when it comes to this; not the teacher.  I looked at my old notes and put a lot of thought on how I was going to run this class.  

It went great and was absolutely incredible.  My field session focused on 'when to dribble and when to pass'.  There were a little over 20 coaches watching; my players did great! The energy level was high and it was fun! After the session I went inside with the coaches and talked about my philosophy and how I incorporated it into my training session.  

I did not know how I would be talking to a group of coaches but right when I started everything felt so natural.  I felt so comfortable and it was so neat seeing everyone  "frantically taking notes" on what I had to say.  Some coaches were even taking pictures of the information I wrote down on the board.  After I was finished many of them asked me questions about their teams and wanted different advice. Others, asked me the difference between the youth development between the US, Finland and Sweden.  I was having so much fun talking about my different experiences.  After the classroom session was over all the coaches came up to me individually and shook my hand.  I had a few of their kids in my camp and others want me to come run a session or two for their teams.   

This whole experience was amazing and I never thought I could be good at something like that.  I really enjoyed teaching a group of coaches. I like speaking in front of people. I have so many ideas and it was so much fun to share them with a whole group in person.  I can see myself doing something like this in the future.  

In soccer news, my team has hit a rough patch but we have one more game left; one more chance to prove ourselves.  We play in Stockholm this Saturday against Brommopojkarana; if we win we will  have a chance to move up to division 1.  It comes down to the last game.  We have nothing to lose.. Its out turn!!

“The limits of the possible can only be defined by going beyond them into the impossible.”

One of my old coaches told me you only have 24 hours to either celebrate a win or think about a loss and then you have to move on.  Yesterday we had a rivalry game against another team in town; Huge.  We have a good team with some good players; everyone brings something to the table but it was not our best game. It was disappointing to lose but we can learn from this. We will regroup and take it to Taby this weekend.  

I am happy because we get another shot at Huge; in a sense we are lucky.  Second chances like this are rare sometimes, but I am so glad we have a second chance against them.  They beat us yesterday but we are a better team!  Now, we have another chance to prove it by beating them in Swedish Cup final September 4th.

 I do not look at these upcoming games with a sense of pressure.  I have learned that  "its not pressure, its opportunity"  Every time you step onto the field you have an opportunity prove yourself and to be the best; to go further than you think.  There is so much more inside and I have read, very few people tap into their true potential and really reach their physical limits. Why is that? What separates it?

The 24 hours to think about yesterday's game is up.. Its never good to live in the past. Now, it is a new day and there is a new game to prepare for. We have what it takes to finish the rest of the season strong!  

In other news, this week I am going to coaching course here in Sweden.  The company is call Tiki Taka; its Barcelona's style of playing and coaching.  Tony Gustavsson will be running the course.  Tony is the assistant coach of the U.S women's national team and just recently helped them reach the gold medal.  I am excited to meet him and learn the Barcelona way.  It is definitely my favorite style of soccer.  I love things like this; you learn so much and you never know who you are going to meet or what opportunities could come of it.   

Here is a fun video of the Tiki Taka way!

“Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so shall you become. Your Vision is the promise of what you shall one day be. The heart has eyes which the brain knows nothing of."

What is your goal? Why do you play the game? What is your role on your team? What do you aspire to be? 

Player 1

"My goal is to be a professional soccer player and play on the Swedish national team"

"I play because it is fun, I meet new friends, keep in good shape and it is fun to score goals"

"To reach my goal I will train because it is fun not because I have to.  I must have good confidence, dare to try and trust myself."

Player 2

"My goal is to be a professional soccer player in another country besides Sweden."

"To reach my goal I am going to train on my own, watch soccer and give 100% in all my games and practices."

"I play the game because it is fun. It is a fun sport and I like to practice."

Player 3

"My goal with soccer is to play in the highest division in Sweden."

"I can reach my goal if I give 100% in training and train on my own."

"I play because soccer is a fun sport and I like to train and develop."

These are all questions I was asked as a camper at Soccerplus camps and they are the same questions I asked my campers at my camp here in Gavle.  I had the players write it down and we talked about it.  A bunch of players came up to me after and handed me their papers and wanted me to read it. When they handed me their papers I had flashbacks of my playing days at soccer plus.  I saw myself in them.  

The last day of camp we talked about their goals and how they get there.  I told them that they have to BELIEVE.  The most important person that has to believe you can do something is you! I told them that the next session was going to be hard but, it is the ones who are willing to push the furthest that will achieve their dreams.  It will be a test and it is the first step to achieving their goal.  

We hit the field for the last session of the 2012 IFK soccer camp.  It was the best session I have ever had with a group of kids.  I have never seen so many young players on one field give everything they had.  Before the session ended, I brought the girls in, some of them sat down in exhaustion while their friend/teammate helped them up.  They stood arm and arm around me; 44 players looking at me with this particular look.  Everyones eyes were on me. When I looked them in the eyes I recognized this look… When I looked at every one of them I saw myself. I saw myself standing there  as a 14 year old curly haired girl, decked out in soccerplus gear with eyes filled of big dreams, hope, courage, determination and the willingness to go beyond the comfort zone and do whatever it takes to make it happen.  This is what I play for... This is why I play the game; Its for times like these. Everyone was completely in the moment; nothing else mattered outside the field.  I remember being at camp looking at my coaches in complete focus ready to absorb the next test they threw at me.  I gave my players one more challenge.. At this point I told them it is not about who is the most technical, tactical, or physical. It is about who has the most in here... I pointed to my heart. They went off completed the challenge, as hard and as fast as they could. When the final whistle blew they came together as one group and one camp.  I was so proud of everyone of them!

It was an incredible ending to a phenomenal camp.  I have learned so much from this camp and I have so many new ideas for the future.  I feel like I could write a book just on this experience. 

I would like to thank everyone who helped make it possible.  Thank you to the players, coaches, sponsors and everyone who made this experience unforgettable; without you it would not have been the same. 

In other news my team played in the semi-finals of the Swedish Cup on Thursday and we won 7-0.  The final will be in two weeks against our rival; Huge. 

Yesterday we had a home game verse Hille.  Last time we met we barley beat them.  The score was 3-2; we just slipped by in the last five minutes.  This time we brought it to Hille and won 10-0.  It was a high scoring game but all the goals were classy and it was fun soccer to watch.  Many of the kids from the camp showed up; wearing their blue camp shirts and all.  My youth team was also there cheering us on.   It was neat and it meant a lot; I heard the kids yelling and chanting my name, many times though out the game.  It was fun playing in front of them; my whole team definitely put on a show.

I talked with some of my youth girls and the camp kids after the game and I got that same look.  They all looked at me again with those same eyes; a look I know to well.. I can not help seeing myself in them.  They were all so excited to talk to me and to talk about the game.  It reminded me of when I used to go to watch the Boston Breakers when they were in the WUSA; I was the one with that look.  Its crazy to be on the other side and its very hard to explain the feeling I have; its refreshing to know that so many young players share the same dream. All I know is that IFK has done a great job; we are getting people excited about the game, we are getting them to dream big and most importantly to BELIEVE.

"there is nothing better than doing what you love, around the people you love."

Unprecedented, unique, extraordinary, expectional… That is exactly what the camp was.  It was a complete success and there are very few words to really describe how well it went.  

About 24 girls showed up.  The first day consisted of take on moves, and the principles of one vs. one attacking and defending.  The second day's topic included shooting, volleying and heading.  The last was filled with soccercise (dribbling to music), "Olympic games" and fitness. All the kids grasped the concepts and were able to repeat them back to me and my fellow coaches.  

Each day after lunch there was a scheduled psychological talk with the kids.  We talked about goals, the fear of failure, pressure, and getting out of ones own comfort zone.  I had them talk in small groups with their coaches as well.  

I was really impressed with my teammates/fellow coaches.  They were phenomenal; they helped me with everything I needed!! The demonstrations were great and everyone brought a high energy level which the kids caught on to. I could not have done it without them! They all were so good with the kids and the kids really related to their coach.  All my teammates are amazing role models! Now when the kids read about all of us in the newspaper we will be way more than just another name!

This was my first camp that I have directed and it was exactly how I pictured it in my head. It was amazing seeing what I drew up come to life.  I looked at my field as a canvas. Everything was perfect; from cone set up, to goal set up, to demonstrations, to the transitions from the warm up to the stations.  After each day I felt as if I was on a natural high.  Everything was organized, professional and the topics and drills complemented each other perfectly!

We got many compliments on how well the week went and many of the players already asked when the next camp will be and if we are going to have it again next year.  They also asked for all of our autographs and said that they were going to come watch our home games.  

We did our job, we got these kids excited about the game and that is the most important thing! 

Sunday we had a home gave verse Stromsbro.  It was the first game back after break.  Many of the campers came to the game wearing their IFK camp shirts we designed.  There was so many people at the game; probably the most we have had. I like playing in front of a lot of people  My team put on a show, some of the combinations were spot one and we came out winning 2-0.  It was a good game for us and it was nice to get this win!

Now we have a big game Sunday in Stockholm against Bele Barkaraby and we are hungry for another three points!!  Some of my best friends are coming to the game! Im so happy they are coming.  A wise person told me "there is nothing better than doing what you love, around the people you love." Its true..  It makes everything mean so much more!