Winning vs. creating “Winners"
Clubs that focus on winning as their main objective typically do not put
enough emphasis on player development. At North Shore United, we make a distinction
between winning and creating winners. Our message is “Winning is important,
but by far the more important thing is give it your best effort and to never
give up trying to do well, in games and during practices. By learning to be
the ‘best you can be’ on the soccer field, we hope that you’ll
also apply the same attitude in other areas of your life.”
In the face of the enormous psychological tensions and pressure that are attendant
on competitive sports endeavors, North Shore United believe it is important
not to be trapped in high-pressure fearfulness and anxiety about winning or
losing. The Club understands that winning games does indeed bring important
rewards, but winning a game does not define a "winner." Winning
any specific game - especially at elite levels - is not infrequently due to
things other than skills, effort, and intensity. Consequently, it cannot be
the principal criteria of success.
In addition, parents and fans should be proudest of their kids not when they
win or because they win, but when they have never give up doing their best
to try to win, whatever the outcome.