NJYS Helps Players Understand The Importance of Mental Strength
The New Jersey Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program (ODP) recently kicked off its 2022 webinar series with a discussion about mental toughness. The program was led by NJYS Technical Director James Galanis, who spoke with New Jersey native and National Soccer Hall of Famer, John Harkes.
“John is a US Soccer legend,” said NJYS Director of Technical Operations, James Galanis. “Having the opportunity to learn about the mental skills he values and instills in his players was a priceless opportunity to our ODP players.”
Currently the Sporting Director and head coach for Greenville Triumph SC of USL League One, Harkes enjoyed a storied professional career that included 90 appearances for the U.S. Men’s National Team. The former USMNT captain played in the 1990 and 1994 FIFA World Cups, and he was also the first American to feature in the English Premier League with Sheffield Wednesday FC. A NJ Youth Soccer Hall of Fame inductee, Harkes represented New Jersey ODP during his youth playing days in Kearny, N.J., where he grew up with future USMNT teammates and fellow National Soccer and NJYS Hall of Fame members Tony Meola and Tab Ramos.
During the webinar, attendees listened to Harkes reflect upon his career, from playing youth soccer and professional soccer to now as a coach and executive. He also discussed how his hunger for competition began at an early age and accelerated his desire to learn from every experience. Additionally, he stressed the importance of preparing for adversity, as it is unavoidable, while taking ownership and accountability for your own development. Harkes also discussed mental health awareness among youth athletes, stressing the importance of communication about the topic between coaches, players and parents.
“Learn how they learn, what makes them tick, and be there for them and help them figure things out,” Harkes said to parents during the webinar. “Let them fight, and let them fall sometimes because they do learn those life lessons. They figure out ways to get through that adversity, and those life skills are something they take with them, not just with soccer but off the field as well. “
This Mental Toughness Webinar is the first in a series of online discussions that will be held this year for New Jersey ODP participants. Players around the state attended this initial webinar to benefit from the inspirational story behind the success of Harkes throughout his soccer career.
For more information about New Jersey ODP, please email odp@njyouthsoccer.com. Additionally, make sure to like the official New Jersey ODP Facebook Page.
