We have several recently turned 20 year-olds from our first ever boys team that have true professional-level quality. Years ago, I predicted with 100% certainty that one kid in particular would go all the way. I actually have standing bets with people on this (most notable are $500 on one, and a lobster dinner every month for a whole year with another). Today, I continue to be certain of him, and I can’t wait to cash in!
Then there’s a couple other guys who are better than starting MLS players (no joke!), I’m not so sure of. And still more guys of similar caliber who are friends of ours, and we’ve had the pleasure of coaching.
This letter goes out to all those monkeys we know, and other talents who are just one step from achieving their dream.
This is critically important!
Dear player,
I know you’re a baller. You know you’re a baller. And all your friends and family think you’re a baller. The truth is, you’re good enough to be a professional. Actually, you’re probably better than most who currently are.
But you know what?
That’s exactly the problem!
If everyone thinks you’re a badass, and you know it too, then that’s probably good enough for you.
Right? I mean your self-esteem is through the roof! And you can likely live out your days feeling pretty good and showing people your quality touch.
It’s human nature. You work hard. You reach a level you’re proud of, and then you settle.
Unfortunately, all that says is that you’re normal. Well, is that what you really want? Normal? As in not special?
What’s worse, is that since you’ve been reading 3four3, I’ve given you an excuse! You can now blame these retarded coaches for not recognizing or understanding top-shelf quality. For the rest of your life, you can point the finger instead of the thumb.
But the sad truth is that someone else will live out your dream. Yeah that’s right, YOUR FUCKING DREAM! Remember that? Well, someone else is working hard to steal it from you! For them, that warm fuzzy feeling is not enough. They want more! They want it so badly that settling is not an option!
So they are truly the special ones, not you!
If a 1st division club doesn’t pick you up right away, go play 2nd or 3rd division ball and tear it up until someone recognizes your brilliance!
If you don’t make it, it’s because you’re a pussy and you quit. Plain and simple.
NO EXCUSES BITCH!
With love,
Gary
Ah, so this is what the warning was about. Totally worth it.
By the way, I’m sure you’ve seen that Bradley is out. I’m looking forward to hearing your take.
Good stuff Gary. I tell my U13 son same, just not as colorfully. “Talent is good, fulfillment is everything.” “Your competition is the world.” And similar cliches . . . .
Our coaches and system also steal dreams. The former through inferior coaching and the latter by not providing sufficiently competitive opportunities that can found elsewhere. Europe is our dream catcher, but we’re not sending enough dreams into the wind.
http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/why-man-utd-liverpool-and-half-europe-are-red-hot-teteh-bangura-1792341
Maybe this will inspire your players to take a chance, in USL 3 years ago now being courted by the big boys….your point about scouting in this country is spot on MLS misses out on another one but do they really care. I think MLS should focus on creating and selling best talent in the beginning to get Big clubs to get up and take notice of talent here, and then as marketability and prestige of players rises then look to keep their best talents because money will be there from the exposure of selling your top talents to big clubs, thoughts?
“And the truth shall set u freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!
One more comment to add: U need to be a sic ass negrotote if u want to make it…!!!!!!
When do your bets expire? And does MLS count as ‘all the way’?
Damn you John!
It’s not over … and MLS counts.
Now I’m just wondering if it’s Choco or someone else… 😉