When was the last time you tried something new? Picked up a new skill? Got a little bit uncomfortable in the name of making friends or connections? Science tells us that “things that are ‘new’ to us (whether that’s new information, new ideas, new events and activities, new conversations, or a new place) stimulate our minds.” Rachel Wu, PhD, associate professor of psychology at the University of California, wrote, “Some psychologists’ research suggests that continuing to learn new things throughout adulthood may be key to keeping your cognitive skills sharp as you age, and that in fact, middle-aged and older adults may be just as good at learning as younger people.”
With that in mind, might we recommend soccer as a new adult skill?!
“As women’s sports is finally getting its moment, it is a joy to consume a massive amount of media that covers women’s soccer. I found myself getting so antsy to want to try a long kick or volley into a goal, or just joyfully dribble a soccer ball down a pitch, so I googled “adult soccer for beginners in the DC area.”
In 2018 our team at Alexandria Soccer Association (ASA) saw a gap in opportunity. Women who maybe didn’t have the opportunity to play growing up, but spent a lot of time on the sidelines with their kids, wanted to learn the game. Or, some women did play growing up and were nervous to get back out on the field after a few decades…. So we launched the Women’s Training Program!
I was SO nervous to go to my first training. My husband was so supportive of my pursuit, he bought me a US Women’s National team branded soccer ball, but I was too embarrassed to take it to practice, because how could I use something so elite when I’ve never kicked a ball properly? I was certain I would be made fun of. However, after just one practice I realized how special this community truly is, I was welcomed with open arms, encouraged, and truly felt safe in this space. Six months later, I was really proud when my USWNT was used as the end of practice scrimmage ball.
Over the past seven years this program has expanded and grown to welcome women from all walks of life, with all levels of soccer acumen and skill. ASA offers seasonal training, in addition to a women’s pickup play. On May 17th we’re hosting our first advanced women’s soccer clinic focusing on 1v1 tactics. Swing by the Well Ray Festival and then come out to the field and join us!
While our team at ASA is partial to the sport of soccer, the important takeaway is that learning new skills, making new friends, and building community as you get older is essential to a healthy life. Boost confidence, beat boredom, strengthen neural pathways, challenge your motor skills…. And in the case of soccer, stay fit!
I can say this program with ASA has absolutely changed my life. I feel like I’ve found something that’s been missing all along, because the joy that I’ve found playing soccer is pretty incomparable. I’ve been able to learn somewhat fast because I’ve played other sports in life, but I truly went from not knowing how to kick a ball, to being encouraged to playing up top and scoring goals in our scrimmages. I think this is such a testament to Lauren’s coaching, patience, and amazing teaching techniques. From fighting nausea on my way to “try something new” to viewing pickup and training as true highlights of my week, I’ve been able to feel safe, and really find joy + community at ASA in just ~6 months.
Do any of the following resonate with you?
- You want to have fun while exercising in a safe and supportive environment
- You are playing in the adult league and want some extra touches on the ball
- You have thought about playing in the adult league but aren’t sure if it is the right fit for you
- Your kids play and you want to be an awesome soccer role model
- You are passionate about women’s access to play and sport and want to brainstorm how to create more opportunities in Alexandria
- You are excited about spending quality time with powerful women
[Huge shoutout to Annie for sharing her story with us — thank you for bringing your energy and enthusiasm to the soccer programs!]
Alexandria Soccer Association (ASA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, established in 1970 in Alexandria, Virginia. ASA offers soccer programs for citizens of all abilities and ages in the city limits of Alexandria, though our programming is open to ALL city residents and non-residents. ASA programs are intended to develop good character, mental and physical fitness, and interpersonal skills through soccer activities. Sportsmanship, social skills, and self-esteem are developed by player participation and regular interaction with volunteer and professional coaches. Learn more at alexandria-soccer.org.
