71. How Coaching Youth Soccer Has Strengthened My Recovery
I’ve been fortunate enough to coach youth soccer since 2018. Coaching youth soccer is more than just a job for me; it’s a profession that brings purpose and joy into my daily life. Working with young athletes and watching them develop their skills, both on and off the field, is deeply rewarding. I spend my days creating training sessions, strategizing for games, and fostering an environment that values teamwork, resilience, and respect. Each day, I’m not only teaching them the fundamentals of soccer but also instilling life lessons that they can carry with them beyond the field. Knowing that I play a role in their growth and development gives me a sense of pride and fulfillment that fuels my passion for coaching.
Engaging in coaching youth soccer has provided me with a renewed sense of purpose, stability, and accountability in my recovery from substance abuse. In many ways, guiding young players has offered a sense of redemption and personal growth that I hadn’t anticipated. The unique demands of coaching—requiring patience, empathy, dedication, and a focus on improvement—have become instrumental in my sobriety journey. Working with young athletes has deepened my resolve, helped me build resilience, and allowed me to forge a stronger, more compassionate version of myself.
One of my biggest challenges in early recovery was re-establishing a healthy structure. Addictive behaviors often lead to chaotic routines, where life becomes centered around alcohol and drugs while everything else gets neglected. Recovery, on the other hand, relies heavily on creating new, healthier habits. Coaching youth soccer has given me a steady routine that I look forward to, providing the kind of structure necessary to keep my recovery on track. Regular practices, team meetings, and match days require discipline, consistency, and the ability to plan ahead—all qualities that contribute to the development of a reliable structure in my life.
This routine, however, is about more than just scheduling; it’s also about embracing accountability. As a coach, I am not just responsible for showing up, but also for setting an example for my players. Knowing that a team of young athletes is looking up to me keeps me grounded and reinforces the importance of staying committed to my own recovery. They rely on me not just for soccer guidance but as someone they can trust, learn from, and be inspired by. This sense of responsibility has become an anchor that reminds me daily of why I need to stay on this path of sobriety.
Self-worth can be one of the first casualties of addiction, as it often leads to self-destructive behaviors, guilt, and feelings of unworthiness. Recovery is a journey of re-establishing one’s self-respect, and coaching has played an essential role in that process for me. Each time I step onto the field with my players, I have an opportunity to contribute something meaningful to their lives. Witnessing their growth, celebrating their successes, and helping them navigate challenges has given me a renewed sense of purpose.
Moreover, coaching is an inherently selfless activity; it’s about helping others become the best version of themselves. This shift away from focusing on my struggles and instead investing in the growth of others has provided me with a different perspective on my own healing. By empowering young athletes, I am indirectly empowering myself, building a foundation of self-worth rooted in positive contributions rather than past mistakes.
Youth soccer, much like recovery, is filled with highs and lows. Just as players encounter defeats, injuries, and personal setbacks, I too face challenges in maintaining my sobriety and working through the scars of my past. In coaching my players to handle these setbacks gracefully and bounce back with renewed determination, I am constantly reminded of the importance of resilience in my own life. Teaching resilience has been a healing experience for me. I emphasize to my players that mistakes are part of growth, that setbacks are temporary, and that each game is an opportunity to improve. These lessons aren’t just for them; they’re daily reminders to myself that recovery is a journey of perseverance. Watching my players grow through challenges, and knowing I’ve played a part in helping them stay positive, has reinforced my belief in my own ability to overcome.
Addiction is often characterized by isolation, whereas recovery flourishes in connection. Coaching youth soccer has brought me into contact with parents, other coaches, and, of course, the players themselves. Together, we form a small community built on trust, mutual goals, and support. The parents, particularly, have become a network of allies in my journey. They understand the commitment I’m making to their children and offer encouragement in subtle yet significant ways.
The players, too, have unexpectedly become a community of support. Their eagerness, their joy for the game, and their inherent positivity serve as a reminder that life is still full of good things. I have come to value these connections as part of a larger support system that extends beyond the field, and I know these relationships are vital for my ongoing commitment to sobriety.
In my recovery, I’ve wrestled with feelings of guilt and self-doubt. Coaching youth soccer has helped me address these issues in a healthier way. When I see my players make mistakes or struggle, I approach them with kindness and constructive feedback. This has been a revelation to me—if I can show such compassion to others, perhaps I can learn to extend the same kindness to myself. Learning to forgive myself, allow for mistakes, and celebrate small victories are lessons I’ve started to internalize through coaching. These kids remind me that growth isn’t a linear path but a series of attempts, adjustments, and continuous improvement. As a coach, I have to remind myself that I’m on the same path, and I, too, deserve patience and understanding as I navigate my own struggles.
Sobriety can be daunting, but coaching has reintroduced moments of pure joy into my life. Seeing a player achieve a skill they’ve been working on or watching the team celebrate a hard-fought win provides a rush of happiness that is hard to describe. These small moments of triumph, laughter, and camaraderie are reminders of life’s simple pleasures. In those moments, I realize how far I’ve come. I no longer seek fleeting highs from alcohol and drugs, but rather, I find fulfillment in the joy of others and in the satisfaction of a job well done. Coaching youth soccer has shown me that recovery isn’t just about abstaining from something; it’s about rediscovering the many things that make life rich and meaningful.
Coaching has become more than just an activity—it’s a mission that has redefined my identity and my goals. It’s a role that requires me to be patient, present, and committed, reinforcing my dedication to staying sober. By investing in my players, I am investing in my own growth and recovery. Each practice, each game, and each conversation is a reminder that I have the power to not only change my own life but also positively impact others. Through coaching, I have found a renewed purpose that sustains my commitment to recovery. These young athletes may never know how much they’ve helped me on this journey, but their impact on my life is profound. In guiding them, I am guiding myself—toward resilience, self-worth, and a future free from the chains of addiction.
And remember, if you’re struggling, or know someone who is struggling, please don’t lose hope. If that had happened to me, I wouldn’t be able to help spread awareness today.
