Soccer is more than just scoring goals; it takes hard work, teamwork and dedication. One of the main things that stood out is that being good at soccer isn’t just about talent. It also depends on experience, motivation and wanting to improve every day. Coach Eric Long made it clear that players who actually try to get better are the ones who go the farthest.

“I look for someone who has experience playing soccer and is motivated to learn and strive to get better each day,” said Long. 

Long also believes that teamwork is something that just happens naturally. Long explained that it doesn’t have to be forced; instead, it happens naturally over time. When players spend more time together in practices and games, they start to understand each other better because communication and teamwork improve without even trying too hard. 

“The more they are around each other, the teamwork tends to come naturally,” said Long.

When talking about success in soccer, his answer was actually pretty simple. It’s not just about winning or being the best player; it’s about enjoying the game. When players truly enjoy playing, they stay motivated, even when things get hard and when they lose.

“Just to enjoy playing the game because when you enjoy it, you stay motivated, you continue to get better,” said Long.

The coach’s personal journey is also incredibly inspiring. He began playing soccer at just three years old and hasn’t stopped since. This level of dedication shows how a passion developed at such a young age can shape an individual’s life. Starting early allowed him to build not only his technical skills but also a deep love and understanding of the game over time. That passion continued to grow and eventually led him into coaching, where he now shares his experience and knowledge with others. 

“I started playing at age three and never stopped,” said Long.

One of the most difficult parts of coaching is managing a team with players who all have different personalities and skill levels. Every player is different, making it hard to bring everyone together. It takes a lot of patience and effort to make a team work well together as a coach. You also have to help players respect each other and learn how to play together

“Getting different personalities and different skill levels to mesh together is the hardest part,” said Long. 

When it comes to losing games, Long’s mindset is exceptionally strong. He holds the belief that players shouldn’t need someone else to motivate them. Instead, the feeling of losing should push them to do better. Losing can be upsetting, but it also helps players learn and improve, which makes them want to come back stronger next time. 

Improving as a player doesn’t have to be complicated. Players don’t need expensive equipment or anything fancy; just a soccer ball and a wall is enough to practice passing and controlling the ball. Players can get better over time, the more they practice, the more their skills improve.

“A ball and a wall is all a player needs, the more you touch the soccer ball, the better you get,” said Long.