Injuries in all sports suck. Sitting on the sideline, watching your team at practice and watching everyone out there having a good time playing, but you not being able to play sucks. I absolutely know what it is like to be anxiously waiting on the sideline to play. Although it may seem like you will never be back playing, don’t get too impatient. Your time will come, and you will be good as new.

My name is Marcus. I play on the u15 JUSC Liverpool team. In the first game of the season, I was playing well. In the 2nd half, I was sprinting, trying to keep the ball from going out. As I stopped, my ankle came out from underneath me, causing it to twist. I went to the hospital, and was told I would be back in 2-3 days. That was not the case.

I am approaching the 5th week, and still not ready to go full out. One reason for that was because I tried to come back too soon. Now, please, promise me you will listen to me. Only go if you feel 100 percent. I know how you are feeling, frustrated, and anxious to get back. But trust me; going early is not the solution.

Although being injured really sucks, there are some positives that can follow. First, you gain more appreciation that being able to play is a privilege. This injury has really helped me see the bigger picture, and it has changed my perspective. You realize that playing is something you shouldn’t take for granted. For example, Abby Wambach, US Women’s National Team 3rd all-time leading goal scorer, was injured during the 2008 Olympic Games. She broke her leg, and was unable to compete. However, she said that her injury was one of the main reasons for being chosen on the 2011 squad to play in Germany at the Women’s World Cup. She rebounded, and certainly played a vital role in earning a well-deserved 2nd place for the national team.

Taking a break from the game doesn’t hurt you either. A lot of times, athletes will come back from an injury, pumped, and ready to play again. I will certainly be ready for that time. An injury can help you see things on the field that you may have not noticed while playing. It’s a lot easier to look and observe while off the field than on. Knowledge of the game is so important to the success of a player, and reflecting on games and practices certainly increases knowledge.

I know an injury can be difficult, and disappointing. But I know with the right amount of patience and perseverance, you can get through this, and get back on the field. I wish you the best of luck in your recoveries, and hope to see you playing soon!
 

So what's Rossco ranting
about this week?

 

This week I’ve had a “request” rant from our coaching staff. Why do you players always ask “what are we going to do now?” right before moving onto the next exercise at practice. Has a coach ever not explained the exercise? Just hang on for a second and all will be revealed. Secondly, “are we going to scrimmage?” and “when are we going to scrimmage?” are also driving the coaches mad. Yes, you are going to scrimmage, and, if you stop wasting time asking about it we’ll most likely get to it sooner. I had a player ask me during “scrimmage” this week, if we were going to scrimmage again later. Seriously, you’re asking me that as you scrimmage? Where did that “scrimmage” word even come from? OK- rant over!