The Hoops Little Book of Football: Quotes from players age 8 and 9 playing grassroots football to raise funds

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Growth of Grassroots Soccer YearPlayers • 500,000 • 1,300,000 • 2,200,000 • 2,500,000 • 4,600,000 33 of UEFA 53 national associations are now members, in just 4 years time Start Your Own Program - 2 • We believe those most passionate about soccer have a duty to spread the world’s game to more people. There are two primary reasons underlying this belief. • The most important reason is the benefits a high level activity provides to the youth involved. Study after study show youth with involvement in a high level activity have better grades, better health, higher self esteem and are less likely to engage in the taking of drugs and alcohol. • The second reason passionate soccer people have a duty to spread soccer is their own Club’s progress and health. If you are a board member, coach, manager or a parent you have a duty to help your Club make progress towards a brighter future for more players. A great way to help your Club make this progress and remain healthy is to invest in your base. Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.” – Pele Soccer isn’t the same as Bach or Buddhism. But it is often more deeply felt than religion, and just as much a part of the community’s fabric, a repository of traditions.”

Whenever people say ‘women’s soccer,’ I want to correct them to say ‘soccer.’ Every girl has had their sport diminished because they’re girls.” The most important thing? To win playing good football. That's the most beautiful thing." - Pep Guardiola, current manager of Manchester City, reported by The Telegraph.

You have to be willing to accept the information, and you have to be willing to work hard. You have to be motivated to go to practice with an open mind, and you have to be willing to be criticized. Only you can do those things.” What do we believe in ? The power of soccer to make a difference in people’s lives What do we value ? Value the game for its simplicity, passion, and creativity What do we see ahead ? Soccer’s popularity increasing and its social impact expanding Look, I'm a coach, I'm not Harry Potter. He is magical, but in reality there is no magic. Magic is fiction and football is real." - Jose Mourinho, former manager of Manchester United, reported by The Guardian . The beauty of football is that everyone can contribute in their own way, no matter how big or small their role may be." – Philipp Lahm, reported by Goal. When I score, I don't celebrate because it's my job. When a postman delivers letters, does he celebrate?" – Mario Balotelli, reported by Goal.

The game of football is like a canvas, and it’s up to the players to paint the most beautiful picture." - Diego Maradona reported by Goal Cast. A CHAMPION is simply someone who did NOT give up when they wanted to.” – Tom Landry, Dallas Cowboys I am constantly being asked about individuals. The only way to win is as a team. Football is not about one or two or three star players.” You have to perform at a consistently higher level than others. That’s the mark of a true professional.” – Joe PaternoSoccer has taken me to places I never thought I would go, and allowed me to meet people from all over the world." - Tim Cahill, reported by The Guardian It is exactly that underdog spirit that gives soccer quotes their importance to the world. Whether you call it soccer, football, futbol, voetbal or whatever you will, it is a universal sport that transcends race, religion, language, and culture. Nothing on this earth unifies a country more than a penalty shootout at the end of a World Cup semi-final, as can be seen whenever England manages to put a good run together. A Poor Man’s Sport Rich in Valuable Quotes I always thought I wanted to play professionally, and I always knew that to do that I'd have to make a lot of sacrifices. I made sacrifices by leaving Argentina, leaving my family to start a new life. I changed my friends, my people. Everything. But everything I did, I did for football, to achieve my dream." - Lionel Messi, reported by The Guardian .