Introduction
Soccer is a popular recreation that many people are fond of, creating possibilities to demonstrate their talents, cultivate relationships, and relish in the thrill of competing. Nevertheless, when extraneous influences, such as the drive to earn a college scholarship, take precedence over the natural passion for the game, it can eventually diminish one’s pleasure (Berengüí et al., 2022). This essay examines how disparate motives can considerably affect a person’s involvement with soccer, exemplified by the case of Mike, an adept player who finds himself becoming ever more disaffected with the sport because of the mounting expectations of his parents and coach.
The Impact of Different Motivations on the Enjoyment of Playing Soccer
Mike initially played soccer because of his genuine passion and intense bonds with his teammates. He was invigorated by the challenge of running, kicking, and scoring goals (Berengüí et al., 2022). However, once his parents and coach began stressing the importance of victory, Mike’s motivations changed, and the formerly pleasurable sport became a source of tension and worry.
The pressure to secure a college scholarship loomed large in Mike’s mind. While it is understandable that his parents and coach wanted the best for him, the constant reminders of this goal overshadowed the true essence of soccer – the thrill of the game itself (Berengüí et al., 2022). As a result, Mike began perceiving each match as a make-or-break opportunity rather than a chance to have fun and improve his skills.
Besides emphasizing coming away with a win, Mike’s enthusiasm for soccer was significantly hindered. The game went from being an enjoyable activity to one that was mainly focused on reaching a specific result. Mike’s self-expression and imagination, often seen in his play, were taken away, and he was utterly preoccupied with winning (Berengüí et al., 2022). The pressure to excel to secure a college scholarship weighed heavily on him, eventually taking away the joy he got from soccer.
Conclusion
Mike’s love for soccer has been diminished due to the shift from intrinsic motivation to external pressures for a college scholarship. The expectations set by his parents and coach have altered the sport from a source of pleasure and self-expression into a worrying task. The need to succeed has taken precedence over the heart of the game, obstructing his ingenuity and enthusiasm for soccer.
Reference
Berengüí, R., Carralero, R., Castejón, M. A., Campos-Salinas, J. A., & Cantón, E. (2022). Values, motivational orientation and team cohesion amongst youth soccer players. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 17(5), 1049-1058. Web.