One of my forwards on a club team I coached wasn’t the most skilled. He’s not the flashiest, best dribbler, or best shooter on my front line. But what did he bring? • Relentless pressure on the opposing defense • Physical presence, not afraid to use his head and body in challenges • Intensity from the first whistle to the last • A refusal to quit Every game, he empties the tank. He defends from the front. He makes life miserable for defenders. He shows up with purpose even when the ball isn’t at his feet. He makes dummy runs and doesn’t get the ball which opens up passing lanes. In fact, most of his goals have come from frustrating defense and getting a gritty tap in. He even scored a goal that was chested in from a cross, cause he’s not afraid to put his body on the line. That wins games. Effort doesn’t go out of form. Keep this in mind when you play! Do all the little things that add up and coaches love.