Soccer teams need players that are determined, athletic, resilient, and skilled, but the main foundation of the team is the positive community it creates. Our Hoffman Estates Boys soccer team created a community almost instantly. At practice, the boys work on building their own individual skills while developing a sense of togetherness on the team.
“I think, more than I’ve seen in past years, they are really excited when their teammates are granted success. So it’s been a really positive culture and positive community that we have been able to build,” said Sean Armstrong, head varsity coach.
With the support of strong leadership, players on the HEHS Boys Soccer Team were able to create a positive environment. Many players stepped up into leadership roles, uplifting their teammates and helping new players build connections.
“I have never seen a group of players come together so quickly, which is, I think, outstanding. I think that is a testament to the leadership that we have on the team. I’m not just speaking captains; I’m speaking leaders throughout the team. I feel like there’s a great deal of trust that they have built up in each other,” said Armstrong.
This year, the team experienced a “learning curve”—with players being put into positions that they are not entirely comfortable in, they needed to adjust to a new way of playing.
“I think that it’s taken a little more time for them to learn how to play together even though the culture has been strong. A lot of them really have taken on different roles and play different positions and as a result of that there’s always a learning curve on a team,” said Armstrong. “I think that the fact that already, we’re playing at a very high level, I think it’s going to translate to more success throughout the season.”
As the boys soccer season is coming to an end, the games are starting to mean more to the players and coaches. The team is really feeling the pressure, but as the intensity of the games builds up, the players are rising to the occasion.
“I really feel like this team is going to begin to play its best soccer right when it counts the most,” said Armstrong.
