This past Saturday, we played a game against KTP and won 3-0. Not only did we win, but I also appeared on the scorers sheet and even got man of the match! Don't worry, this post isn't about me boasting my performance.
I wrote this post because for the first time in my amateur and professional career, I first-hand experienced acts of racism during a game. We were forced into the locker room for a brief intermission by the officials before resuming about 10 minutes later. For a long time now, it has been preached countlessly to remove racism from the game. We've had a member of the players association come in and speak about it, held up signs before games reading, "Put an end to racism" (or something along those lines in Finnish), and we even took a team picture that was taken to social media to create awareness. Still that was not enough. I have lived and friended with people from all over the world. Whether you are African American, Asian, Hispanic, Caucasian, Gay, Straight, or anything else, it shouldn't matter. We as people are all made different and should not be pre-judged for what we are on the outside. So I leave you all with a little food for thought- next time you attend a public event, think before acting. Whether you are a spectator or a participant of the event, consider that your actions indeed do have an impact on all those around you. One Love, Slabby
0 Comments
So in October I turn 26 and although its relatively young in comparison to an average person's lifespan, I feel like I've had more experiences than the average person that's 25 going on 26. I've lived in 7 states and had the chance to visit over 15 different countries and I think that's been HUGE in my development and maturation as a person.
Everyday is an opportunity to learn about yourself and others around you. If you disagree, then I strongly consider you give yourself a long look in the mirror. Now, playing football has enabled me the chance to be a part of many teams. Every group that I have been apart of has been unique with ranging personalities and skills of managers and players. I cherish the memories that I've been able to make and look forward to making more. Every single one my former teammates who have decided to move on from playing all say that nothing in the real world compares to camaraderie and bond that is created in a locker room. Football like life isn't always sweet and "picture perfect". There's lots of peaks and valleys that need to be overcome to reach one's goals. As I've grown older, my personal goals have slightly changed, but I like to think that I have already reached my biggest goal- playing football professionally. There's always room for improvement and settling for "good enough" is simply just not good enough. Anyways, stay tuned for more! One Love, Slabby P.S. Check out my gallery. Boris and Anna came to visit me a little over a week ago so there's some pictures of us! For those of you that don't know, I am currently living in Valkeakoski, Finland. Now to brief you all on this city (village); there are currently about 20,000 people living here, but I swear it feels like there is 2,000 people. There's a handful of restaurants, two grocery stores (that I am aware of), and a massive paper mill factory, which also happens to be in my backyard. This has been a HUGE change from my abode last year- New Jersey/New York, which has a multi-million person population, any type of restaurant you could possibly think of, and tons of places to go and explore. Despite the vast difference between the two cities, day by day I have learned to appreciate Valkeakoski.
Why Finland? Well, at the end of last season, I decided that I would give playing in Europe a run. In February, I packed my bags and was off to Sweden to make my dreams a reality. After two months of trials and empty promises, I had an opportunity to make the jump across the Baltic Sea to FC Haka in Valkeakoski, Finland who play in the Ykkönen division (second tier of Finland). Playing soccer or football as I constantly get reminded of by teammates has given me the chance to travel the world, meet people from everywhere, and experience different cultures that I would never be able to in the North Shore suburbs of Chicago. Often times I get asked when I'll stop playing and go get a "real job", but the truth is that I love living my dream of playing soccer as my day job and the thrill of traveling is just an added bonus. Guys out of contract always reach out wanting to get themselves into the "perfect situation", but in a reality that is impossible. I always tell them what my inner conscious tells me; "don't be afraid to try a new experience." Until next time, Slabby |