Play Together, Stay Together, Win Together

Trip to get ice-cream after a team run

Team chemistry is crucial to any soccer team, starting with little teams of 6 year-olds. At that age any kid will just pass to their friends (if they are not just running straight for the goal), rather than looking for the kid that's open. It is not necessarily like that once you get older, but having a connected team does wonders. When things go wrong during a game it is important that teammates care about one another and refrain from blaming or negativity. In addition, when teammates are close it creates this mutual fight. Players will put out their best effort for each other, and will fight for one another on the field. Trust is also key; players who do not trust their teammates may not pass to each other as often or provide support to their teammates. With trust and care for the other members, communication will flourish on the field and there will be an extra sense of determination and fight. Not to mention players will enjoy the game more if they are playing alongside their friends. The bond with a teammate is a special friendship that can last forever.

Team lunch after a soccer practice

So what are some team bonding ideas? Well there are certainly simple things, such as going out to lunch or dinner. Our team in the past has gone out to lunch after a morning practice, which is fun and easy. Other simple ideas are team dinners. Having a team dinner the night before a game gets everyone motivated for the game ahead, as well as being another opportunity for bonding. And if we are going to do lunches and dinners, why not breakfasts? Going on a morning hike or run followed by breakfasts combines fitness and friendship developing. Some final, more simple ideas are getting ice cream, hikes, pool party, campfire, movie night, gift-exchange (during the holidays), barbeque, or a potluck after a game. 

Trip as a team to the coast

Then there are some other activities that certainly require more planning, but are an excellent chance for team bonding. My high school team went camping for two days which was an awesome experience. We were all together for an extended period of time and could focus on nothing but being together. Team sleepovers are the more simplified version of this, that serves the same purpose. My team has also gone to the beach, where beach-soccer is a popular activity. Other fun ideas include an out-of-town trip, boating, amusement parks, concerts, etc.. Basically anything fun in your area is an opportunity for bonding. I hope that some of these ideas inspire you to focus a little bit more on team bonding with your own team, whether or not it is a soccer team. It makes the community closer and the sport a little bit more fun, while at the same time working to improve your team's performance.